Savory Gluten-Free Scones with Olives and Rosemary

Gluten-free scones with olives and rosemary. A savory winter treat.

One of my holiday surprises was this nifty cast iron cornbread pan. This week I put it to good use. To celebrate the recent return of Downton Abbey, you see (season two has begun, and promises to be as riveting as the first). Scones somehow seemed more appropriate than cornbread. Though these scones would most certainly not pass muster with Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham. She would be- most assuredly- appalled. And raise an elegantly arching, ironic eyebrow in utter disdain. Gluten-free? Who ever heard of such a thing? It is as suspect and deserving of mockery as electricity.

Or weekends.

Who is your favorite Downton Abbey character?

I honestly cannot decide (though I may have inadvertently revealed some vaporous hint of favoritism). I love them all with a devoted heart. The cast, the superb writing, the stunning photography, the lustrous set design is all beyond delicious.

But if you, darling, cherish a favorite Lady, attorney or housemaid, or if you blush and inhale when the honorable Mr. Bates makes an appearance, please do share. We'd love to relish every detail along with you.

Make your case.

A cast iron scone pan makes baking scones as easy as 1-2-3.

Savory Gluten-Free Scones Recipe with Olives and Rosemary

These tender, savory scones are divine with rib-sticking winter stews and comforting soups. Studded with olives and sprinkled with rosemary, they complement everything from Italian minestrone to classic chicken soup with garlic. Or serve them with a slow roasted dinner, some gluten-free pasta or a simple frittata.

Ingredients:

1 cup sorghum flour (aka jowar flour)
1/2 cup potato starch or tapioca starch
1/4 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup almond flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 organic free-range eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup plain non-dairy milk or plain yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice or mild rice vinegar
1/3 rounded cup chopped kalamata or black olives

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lightly oil the insides of the cast iron scone pan and place in the oven.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, starch, baking powder, baking soda, rosemary, salt, ground pepper and garlic powder.

Add the eggs, oil, non-dairy milk or yogurt, and lemon juice, and beat until combined. The batter will be sticky. Stir in the olives.

Remove the hot scone pan from the oven. Spoon the batter evenly into the pan. Pat flat with oiled fingers. Sprinkle with more dried rosemary. Add some extra olives.

Bake on the center rack for about 15 minutes, until firm and slightly golden.

Serve immediately. Fabulous warm, dipped in extra virgin olive oil. Or go to town with your favorite butter.

Makes eight scones.

Hot from the oven gluten-free savory scones.

Karina's Notes:

I recommend you season the cast iron scone pan prior to using, with your preferred vegetable shortening. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Rinse the pan in warm water and dry immediately. Lightly rub shortening inside the wedge wells and on the top edges. Wipe off excess with a piece of paper towel. Place in the oven for one hour. Lightly oil or grease pan prior to baking. To clean, avoid using detergent or abrasives that scrub away the seasoned layer. Simple hot water and a sponge will work. Always dry immediately to avoid rusting.

If you would like to make these scones in a cake pan, skillet, or pie plate, see the instructions on my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Scones with Maple Icing post.

For substitution ideas and tips, please see my post Baking Substitution Help. And my FAQ page for fab info on getting started.

These scones are tender and soft like dinner rolls, rather than traditional dense scones.

To store leftover scones, I recommend wrapping and freezing. Thaw, and warm before serving.