Winter Harvest Flatbread

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution, Recipe by Katie Stewart, RHN 

When you’re just starting out with a gluten-free lifestyle, it can often feel frustrating—it seems like your favourite “fun foods” are suddenly off the menu. It’s easy to fall into a rut, thinking you need to sacrifice both flavour and texture to stay on track. But what if you could have it all—a delicious, satisfying meal that not only fits your gluten-free needs but also supports healthy skin? With this winter harvest flatbread recipe, we turn the tables on gluten-free cooking. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like cassava flour, sweet potatoes, arugula, and ground turkey, it’s the perfect dish for anyone wanting to tackle acne from the inside out, without giving up the joy of great food. You might even find your gluten-eating friends and family asking for your plate instead!

The Base: Gut-Friendly, Blood Sugar-Stabilizing Flatbread

The flatbread base itself is made with a combination of cassava flour, arrowroot starch, coconut flour, and healthy fats. These ingredients create a nutrient-dense, gluten-free alternative to traditional flour that is gentle on the digestive system—a key consideration for anyone dealing with acne.

Cassava Flour

Cassava is a resistant starch, meaning it helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, which can positively influence the skin by reducing gut-related inflammation. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for preventing and managing acne, as gut issues often show up as skin problems.

Arrowroot Starch

This starch supports digestion and can be soothing for those with sensitive stomachs. Its role in keeping blood sugar stable is critical, as blood sugar imbalances are known to contribute to hormone fluctuations, which can aggravate acne.

Coconut Flour

Lower in carbohydrates than other gluten-free flours, coconut flour can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. With its high fibre content, it’s also great for heart health and cholesterol. 

Avocado or Olive Oil

These healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which protects the skin from oxidative stress and supports overall skin health. Fats also slow the absorption of sugars, helping to keep blood sugar stable—another important factor in acne prevention.

The Toppings: Skin-Loving Superstars

Now let’s talk about the toppings! The combination of sweet potato, apple, arugula, ground turkey, and balsamic reduction not only creates a flavourful flatbread but also brings a wealth of benefits for your skin.

• Sweet Potato: A rich source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A—a critical nutrient for maintaining skin health and reducing acne. Sweet potatoes also provide complex carbohydrates, which help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the spikes that can lead to breakouts.
• Apple: Apples offer soluble fibre, which supports healthy digestion and assists the liver in its detoxification processes. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savoury toppings while keeping added sugars to a minimum—a win for blood sugar balance.
• Arugula: This peppery green is loaded with chlorophyll, which supports the liver and aids detoxification, a crucial factor for those dealing with acne. The skin is often a reflection of how well the liver is functioning, as an overburdened liver can result in acne flare-ups.
• Ground Turkey: Ground turkey provides lean protein, essential for repairing skin tissues and maintaining overall skin structure. It’s also a great source of zinc, a mineral that is often deficient in women dealing with acne. Zinc supports skin healing and helps control oil production, keeping pores clear.

Finishing Touch: The Balsamic Reduction

The balsamic reduction, made with balsamic vinegar and a touch of maple syrup, adds a burst of flavour and depth to this dish. While vinegar is often acidic, balsamic vinegar can help balance blood sugar due to its low glycemic index. Maple syrup, in moderation, provides a natural source of sweetness without the inflammatory effects of refined sugars, making this a skin-friendly way to enjoy a bit of indulgence.

A Holistic Approach to Skin Health

This flatbread isn’t just a tasty side; it works with your body’s natural processes to promote healthy skin. By supporting gut health, balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and providing the body with essential nutrients, it helps tackle the root causes of acne from the inside out.

Winter Harvest Flatbread

This winter harvest flatbread is a flavorful, gluten-free dish packed with skin-supporting ingredients for acne-fighting benefits.

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Ingredients

Flatbread Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups cassava flour
• ½ cup arrowroot starch
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or raw honey
• 1 tsp pink salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup filtered water
• ¼ cup avocado oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Toppings:

• Sweet potato (thinly sliced)
• Apple (thinly sliced)
• Arugula
• Crispy sage leaves
• Maple syrup (to taste)
• 1 caramelized onion
• Prepared ground turkey with herbs and spices (recipe below)

Ground Turkey Preparation:

• 1 tsp fresh sage (chopped)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)

Balsamic Reduction:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Cashew Cream: Refer to notes

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Flatbread Crust:

• In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients.
• Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms (a food processor can also be used).
• Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to fit the size of your pan or pizza stone.
• Remove the top piece of parchment paper, then transfer dough to your pan or pizza stone.
• Bake crust for 15 minutes.

Prepare Toppings:

• Caramelized Onion: In a pan, cook sliced onion in avocado oil until soft and caramelized.
• Crispy Sage: Crisp sage leaves in a pan with avocado oil and a pinch of salt.
• Ground Turkey: Cook ground turkey with fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme), salt, pepper, and garlic.

Balsamic Reduction:

• In a small pot, bring balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.

Assemble the Flatbread:

• Spread cashew cream on the baked crust.
• Top with caramelized onion, sweet potato slices, apple slices, arugula, crispy sage, and ground turkey.
• Drizzle with balsamic reduction and maple syrup to taste.
• Final Bake: Return the assembled flatbread to the oven for another 5-10 minutes to warm toppings and meld flavors.

Notes

KSW Cashew Cream or use store-bought.