The all-purpose flour that is called for in this recipe is used as a thickener. So, if you are on a gluten-free diet you have a couple options to make this soup gluten-free such as... u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e - u003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial;u0022u003eUse a gluten-free flour thickener such as cornstarch, tapioca flour or xanthan gum.u003c/spanu003eu003cbr/u003e - u003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial;u0022u003eOmit the thickener all-together and have a little bit runnier soup. Still tasty!u003c/spanu003eu003cbr/u003e - u003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial;u0022u003eScoop out some of the beans and liquid and puree them in a blender, add the bean puree back into the slow cooker and stir. This will create a creamy broth that is slightly thickened.u003c/spanu003e