Legume soup blossoms with Moroccan spices
GLUTEN FREEDOM By LAURA BYRNE RUSSELL Special to The Oregonian Legumes have the distinction of being one of those naturally gluten-free foods, offering invaluable variety to my larder. Nutritionally, legumes (including beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, split peas) are low in fat and they're an outstanding source of both fiber and protein. And you can't beat the price. Recipes included...
Mike Davis/The OregonianWarming spices such as cinammon, cumin, black pepper and ginger give a lovely complexity to mild, nutty-tasting legumes. GLUTEN FREEDOMBy LAURA BYRNE RUSSELLSpecial to The OregonianLegumes have the distinction of being one of those naturally gluten-free foods, offering invaluable variety to my larder. Nutritionally, legumes (including beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, split peas) are low in fat and they're an outstanding source of both fiber and protein. And you can't beat the price.Recipes included with this story: Moroccan Lentil and Garbanzo Bean SoupI find myself using legumes all the time, mostly because they're so adaptable. They're likely to appear at almost any point in a meal -- garbanzo beans puréed into a silky hummus, a lentil salad cloaked in mustard vinaigrette, or a main-dish black bean chili served over rice. Lentil and bean soups are particular favorites because they lend themselves to endless seasoning options. Here, lentils and garbanzo beans simmer with vegetables and a Moroccan-inspired spice combination, but it would be just as easy to use rosemary for an Italian flavor or saffron and orange zest for a Spanish flair. Field trip A friend recently introduced me to Crave Bake Shop, and now I'm hooked on some the most delectable gluten-free cupcakes I've ever had. Among the huge selection of creative and successful flavors, my favorites include the Chocolate Hazelnut, Lemon Meringue, and Hot Chocolate (the latter topped with dairy-free toasted marshmallow creme). All of the options are gluten-free and many of the flavors are dairy-free as well. Owner/baker Kyra Bussanich can help you choose what you need. Crave Bake Shop doesn't have a storefront yet, but all cupcakes are baked in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and delivered to you. Find these goodies online at cravebakeshop.com. Prices, which include delivery, are one dozen (regular size) cupcakes for $35; 2 dozen shooters (mini cupcakes) for $35; eight full-size cinnamon rolls or 16 bitty buns for $25. And scones, cookies and pies will be coming soon. Laura Byrne Russell is a food writer and recipe developer. Before moving to Portland, she worked for the book division of Food & Wine magazine and for The Food Network.
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