Wheat flour is responsible for some of the world’s most beloved – and important – foods. Breads, cakes, pastries, tarts, batters, doughs, sauces; the list goes on. Thanks to its gluten content, it can help things rise, bind together other ingredients, thicken liquids and crisp things up. That’s perhaps why many people see following a gluten-free diet as a limiting, negative way of life, with so many foods and dishes off-limits.
That’s all changed in the past decade, as chefs, home cooks and food manufacturers started playing around with gluten-free flours. They realised that you could create fantastic versions of gluten-containing foods by swapping out wheat flour with a vast array of other ingredients, each boasting their own flavours, textures and properties. While there are plenty of dishes which are naturally gluten-free, those that traditionally contain it are now made with substituted ingredients to give those with intolerances or allergies the opportunity to enjoy them along with everyone else. Awareness of gluten intolerances and coeliac disease has never been higher, and now supermarkets have entire sections dedicated to free-from foods.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet yourself or want to cook for someone who is, knowing where to start can be tricky. Baking is a bit of an exact science, so simply swapping out regular flour for gluten-free flours doesn’t always work, and there are lots of everyday ingredients out there which most of us don’t realise contain gluten (malt vinegar and soy sauce are two good examples). That’s why we’ve gathered together all our top gluten-free recipes and guides in one handy place, in partnership with leading gluten-free flour and food brand, FREEE.
From baking bread and making cakes to recreating family favourites which traditionally contain wheat flour, the recipes below will ensure your gluten-free cooking results in triumph after triumph. We’ll be updating this page every month to give you regular and seasonal inspiration for gluten-free dishes at home, be they naturally gluten-free or made with the new and exciting gluten-free flour blends that make gluten-free baking so easy. Take a look!
All that festive feasting might be in the past, but we still need a way to battle the January blues and keep the cold weather at bay. Whip up one of these gluten-free delights and bring some serious satisfaction to your day.
If you've recently discovered an intolerance or allergy to gluten, or have someone coming round for dinner who doesn't eat it, then the world of gluten-free cookery can seem a little daunting. Take a look at our complete gluten-free recipe collection or read Howard Middleton's guides to the gluten-free flours available, as well as some surprising products which should be avoided.
Want to know just how easy it is to make savoury and sweet bakes with gluten-free flours? Give the two recipes above a try and discover just how simple it can be.
Many savoury dishes are naturally gluten-free, but it's baked goods that tend to stump people the most. While there are whole aisles dedicated to gluten-free bakes in the supermarkets, making your own from scratch avoids the sometimes questionable ingredients found in them, and result in something much tastier.
Making gluten-free cakes is easier than you think – when using traditional flour, most cakes require gentle folding to avoid the gluten working its usual magic, so gluten-free flour blends are perfect. Take a look at our collection of gluten-free cakes which feature both naturally gluten-free flours and gluten-free flour blends and discover how easy they are to make.
Some of our favourite savoury dishes feature pastry and doughs, which with the right know-how can easily be made gluten-free. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Gluten-free breads can seem a little enigmatic, as traditional breads rely so much on gluten to give them their tearable, chewy texture. It's all about ratios and knowing how different ingredients work together – once you've got the hang of that, the world is your gluten-free oyster. Take a look at these recipes to get started.
If you're a fan of zesty, fiery flavours, then Mexican food is ideal for those following a gluten-free diet. With such a strong focus on corn, the tacos, sopes, quesadillas and other corn-based snacks of the country are naturally gluten-free. Try these authentic recipes for starters.
