Gluten refers to a protein contained in certain ingredients such as wheat, rye and spelt. If you have a medical condition such as celiac disease then you cannot adequately digest gluten and therefore require a gluten-free diet. Many gluten-free recipes are available to make ahead of time and freeze for later use. These recipes can also be used to take to social engagements where gluten-free foods may not be available.
Soups
Individual portions or family-sized portions of soup recipes can be frozen for later use. Potato-based soups may be combined with leeks, seasonings and almond, soy or coconut milk for those also avoiding dairy ingredients. Potato-based soups should be well blended to avoid a grainy texture after thawing. Bean soups made with navy, black or great northern beans provide a generous amount of fiber and nutrients without the gluten. Bean soups can be combined with a combination of onions, garlic, herbs and seasonings for optimal flavor. Tomato-based soups combined with other vegetables and herbs freeze well and provide several nutrients including the antioxidant licopene.
Crusts
Gluten-free flours are generally made with a combination of ingredients that may include potato starch, brown rice flour, amaranth, quinoa, tapioca, sorghum or legumes. The exact ingredients depend on the brand and can be used to make pizza and pie crusts that may be frozen for later use. Pizza crusts can be made thick or thin according to personal preference and then frozen individually. Stuffed crust pizzas can be made by rolling the outer crust around cold cheese cubes before placing in the freezer. Pie crusts can be rolled-out and molded into a foil pie plate, covered with freezer wrap then frozen. Gluten-free pie filling such as apple, cherry and blueberry can also be made ahead of time and frozen. Another option is to freeze pizza or pie crusts in a ball that can be rolled-out later.
Rice Dishes
Rice is often used abundantly in gluten-free diets. Rice can be cooked with meat, vegetables and seasonings, then frozen in family meal portions or individual portion sizes for away-from-home lunches. Rice can also be mixed as a side dish with fruit and nuts such as cranberries and walnuts. Risotto is an Italian cooking method that requires sauteing rice in oil and then simmering in broth. Risotto can then be combined with beef or chicken and vegetables such as broccoli, corn, mushrooms and carrots. Another option is to make the basic risotto recipe and freeze. Meat, vegetables and seasonings can be added to the risotto at a later time.
Baked Goods
Bread, muffin and cookie dough can be combined using gluten-free flour and then frozen for later baking. Bread can be made ahead of time and frozen in dough balls or baked and then frozen in loaves. Corn and fruit-based muffins such as blueberry and cranberry muffins can be mixed and placed in freezer-safe containers or baked and then frozen as whole muffins. Whole muffins should be placed in freezer bags and pressed while sealing to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Cookie dough can be made with gluten-free flour and then combined with ingredients such as chocolate chip, peanut butter or sugar cookies.
