Are you on a gluten-free diet but still want to enjoy delicious meals? Epicurious offers a variety of gluten-free recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From appetizers to desserts, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a gluten-free diet, how to find gluten-free recipes on Epicurious, and share some of our favorite gluten-free recipes that don’t compromise on flavor.
The Benefits of Eating Gluten-Free
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people have a sensitivity to gluten and may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For individuals with celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause damage to the small intestine and lead to serious health problems. Eating a gluten-free diet can help alleviate these symptoms and promote overall digestive health.
Additionally, many people find that a gluten-free diet can improve their energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. By eliminating gluten, you may be able to reduce inflammation in the body and improve nutrient absorption.
Finding Gluten-Free Recipes on Epicurious
Epicurious is a great resource for finding gluten-free recipes. You can easily search for recipes using the search bar or browse through the various categories and filters. To find gluten-free recipes specifically, use the “gluten-free” filter or search for recipes using gluten-free ingredients such as quinoa, rice flour, or almond flour.
When browsing recipes on Epicurious, be sure to read the ingredient list and instructions carefully. Some recipes may contain hidden sources of gluten, such as soy sauce or malt vinegar. If you’re unsure about a particular ingredient, do some research or consult with a healthcare professional.
Top 5 Gluten-Free Epicurious Recipes
Here are some of our favorite gluten-free recipes from Epicurious:
1. Gluten-Free Brownies
Who says you can’t enjoy a delicious brownie on a gluten-free diet? This recipe uses almond flour and coconut sugar for a rich, decadent treat.
2. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
This classic comfort food gets a gluten-free makeover with the use of rice flour for the dumplings. Perfect for a cozy night in.
3. Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This colorful salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. Roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a tangy dressing make for a satisfying meal.
4. Gluten-Free Pizza Margherita
No need to miss out on pizza night with this gluten-free recipe. Use a gluten-free pizza crust and top with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil for a classic margherita pizza.
5. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
You won’t believe these cookies are gluten-free! Almond flour and coconut sugar give them a nutty, sweet flavor that’s sure to please.
Substitutions for Gluten in Epicurious Recipes
When adapting recipes to be gluten-free, it’s important to choose the right substitutes. Here are some common gluten substitutes:
- Rice flour
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Cornmeal
- Quinoa flour
- Buckwheat flour
When substituting gluten-free flours in recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that they may behave differently than traditional wheat flour. For example, gluten-free flours may not rise as much or may require additional moisture. It may take some trial and error to find the right balance, but don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Other common ingredients that contain gluten include bread crumbs, soy sauce, and beer. To substitute bread crumbs, try using gluten-free bread or crackers that have been crushed into fine crumbs. For soy sauce, look for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. And for beer, there are many gluten-free options available such as cider or gluten-free beer.
One important thing to keep in mind when cooking gluten-free is to be cautious of cross-contamination. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It’s important to use separate cooking utensils, cutting boards, and even separate counter spaces when preparing gluten-free meals.
Another great resource for finding gluten-free recipes on Epicurious is the “Gluten-Free” tag in the recipe search function. This will pull up a variety of recipes that have been specifically labeled as gluten-free by the recipe creators. This can be a great way to find new and interesting recipes that you may not have otherwise come across.
Substitutions
When cooking gluten-free, it’s important to know what ingredients can be used as substitutes for those that contain gluten. Some common gluten-free flours include:
- Rice flour
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Cornmeal
- Chickpea flour
- Potato starch
- Tapioca starch
- Quinoa flour
- Amaranth flour
- Sorghum flour
- Millet flour
- Teff flour
- Oat flour (make sure it’s certified gluten-free)
- Cassava flour
- Arrowroot flour
- Garbanzo bean flour
- …and many more!
Each of these flours has a unique taste and texture, so it’s important to experiment to find the right flour for your recipe. For example, rice flour is a great substitute for all-purpose flour in many recipes, but it may not be the best choice for recipes that require a lot of structure, such as bread or pastry dough. Other flours, such as almond or coconut flour, may be better suited for these types of recipes.
Another important consideration when cooking gluten-free is the use of binders. Gluten is a protein that helps to give structure to baked goods, so when it’s removed, other ingredients need to be used to help hold everything together. Common binders used in gluten-free baking include:
- Xanthan gum
- Psyllium husk
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Gelatin
- …and more!
These ingredients can be added to recipes to help provide structure and texture to baked goods. It’s important to follow the recipe closely and not overdo it with the binders, as this can result in a gummy or overly dense texture.
Recipe Ideas
Looking for some inspiration for gluten-free meals? Here are a few of our favorite gluten-free recipes from Epicurious:
- Gluten-Free Brownies: These rich and chocolatey brownies are made with almond flour and coconut sugar, and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Gluten-Free Pizza: This pizza crust is made with a combination of rice and almond flour, and is topped with your favorite pizza toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese: This hearty salad is packed with flavor and is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- Gluten-Free Fried Chicken: This crispy and flavorful fried chicken is made with a combination of rice flour and cornmeal, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
- Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: This classic comfort food is made with gluten-free pasta and a creamy cheese sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa: This healthy and flavorful meal is perfect for a summer evening. The salmon is grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh and flavorful avocado salsa.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: This moist and delicious banana bread is made with almond flour and is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: This hearty and flavorful lasagna is made with gluten-free noodles and a rich tomato sauce, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: These crispy and flavorful chicken tenders are made with a gluten-free coating and are perfect for a quick and easy meal.
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic cookies are made with almond flour and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious gluten-free recipes that you can find on Epicurious. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, there’s sure to be a recipe that fits your tastes and dietary needs.
Conclusion
Cooking gluten-free doesn’t have to be a challenge, and with the help of Epicurious, it can even be a delicious and enjoyable experience. By using gluten-free flours and binders, as well as taking precautions to avoid cross-contamination, you can create flavorful and satisfying meals that everyone will love.
So why not give some of these gluten-free Epicurious recipes a try? Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or have been doing it for years, you’re sure to find some new favorites that will become staples in your kitchen.
Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!
Stay tuned for more great recipe ideas and cooking tips from our team of expert chefs.