Gluten is a pesky little substance, found in most foods, that attacks the gut of many people making them sick with a disease, an allergy, or an intolerance. In this case, many people are no longer able to consume gluten, and going gluten-free is not always easy. However, many companies and brands are creating more foods with ideal gluten-free substitutions, so that those going gluten-free can enjoy delicious food without sacrificing their gut health. In this article, we will give you several substitution options for going gluten-free.
Risotto
Risotto is a great meal that is tasty for a fancy dinner. Instead of using the gluten risotto options, you can opt for a gluten-free substitution. This buckwheat flour substitution is delicious and easy to make as well. You can serve two people in as a little as forty minutes including both prep and cooking time. You can find this delicious recipe substitution option here. This meal option also has healthy ingredients that make it both delicious and nutritious.
Crackers
Many people love to enjoy crackers with their salads or soups. Crackers are also great options for snacks with cheese or peanut butter. However, those who can’t consume gluten might find crackers to be one of the most difficult substitution options. There’s hope because many brands are beginning to offer more gluten-free crackers that are made with rice flour, almond flour, and more. These are usually made in various cracker styles as well as snack crackers, salad crackers, and saltines. Most grocery stores are beginning to offer more gluten-free cracker options on their shelves.
Roux
A roux is a thickening agent made from flour and fat that is often used in soups and gravies to make them thick and creamy. However, those with a gluten allergy or intolerance cannot eat flour, so you would think that cancels out roux, right? Wrong! Try using mashed potatoes or a gluten-free flour option to substitute for the gluten flour to get that creamy and thick roux without making yourself sick. You can add roux to various recipes like soups. These are also great for thickening up pre-made gluten-free soups that might be a little thin due to the gluten-free flour substitution.
Flour
Since we’ve established that flour is a negative option, finding a gluten-free flour is not always easy. With the rise in awareness of gluten allergies, diseases, and intolerances, many companies are finding better flour substitutions for cooking. There are several things to choose from nowadays. Rice flour, quinoa flour, millet flour, sorghum flour, and even corn flour are great options for those wanting to cook heavy flour options like bread, cake, and more. Most of the gluten-free flours are a blend of several flour options along with tapioca starch or potato starch. Some even have Xanthium gum to help hold the flour together in place of the gluten that usually bids flour for baking and cooking.
Pancakes
It’s a crowd favorite, pancakes. Many people love having this comfort food for breakfast, but those with gluten intolerance or allergy know that pancakes are off the list. However, you can still enjoy a good pancake like the rest of them with just a few options. You can swap normal pancake mix for a gluten-free option. Most grocery stores carry these substitutions. You can also try using cornmeal instead for a protein-packed pancake that will give you a jolt of protein in the morning. The cornmeal is easy to find in the grocery store as well.
Conclusion
Going gluten-free isn’t always a choice. Sometimes, you are required to cut out gluten from your diet to keep from getting sick or worse. When first going gluten-free, substitutions might seem a little difficult. However, many of the modern substitutions are both delicious and similar to their gluten-filled counterparts. Things like flour, pancakes, and roux are no longer out of reach, and even the most gluten intolerant can enjoy these delicious options.
