Using Spelt Pasta (Plus a recipe and $500 Giveaway!)

This contest is closed and the winners have been selected. Congrats to…

Jenn W.! She said, “I never knew exactly what spelt was until now! My husband isn’t a fan of the whole wheat pasta (or baking I do with whole wheat). I’m going to have to try finding some and see if he can tell the difference!”

Angela L.! She said, “Looking for an alternative to wheat flour and wheat flour products. So excited to try spelt flour!!”

Jennifer G.! She said, “I am interested because of the nutritional value of the spelt flour, this is an awesome giveaway.”

Lori S.! She said, “I would love to try this pasta because I want something healthier for me than white pasta, but I don’t love the taste of whole wheat pasta. This is probably a nice compromise!”

Monica F.! She said she “Would love to try a new kind of pasta.”

Colleen W.! She said, “I believe in trying spelt products because it is a very ancient grain which was grown before wheat was hybridized and tinkered with by humans. Spelt dates back to the very beginning of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent region. Some people who cannot tolerate wheat can eat spelt instead. Plus spelt is Yum-O!”

Lucy P.! She said, “I would love to introduce a new whole grain into my family’s diet.”

Sue C.! She said, “I use spelt flour and I love it!”

Amy C.! She said, “It was mentioned that steering clear of wheat may help my son with his ear infections. We would love to try spelt pasta!”

Jennifer R.! She said, “I just found out my sister is gluten intolerant so your newsletter was perfect timing! Looking forward to trying spelt.”

Thanks to one of our sponsors, Nature’s Legacy, I recently discovered how much I like spelt! The spelt grain is part of the wheat family and available in both whole and white form (just like wheat). Spelt is more mild than wheat though and in my opinion, especially when it’s used in baked goods, the outcome is lighter and more cake like – yes, please! I first tried spelt flour in a whole grain pumpkin muffin recipe last year, and I am not going to lie…the texture is just divine, and this recipe still remains one of our favorites. And spelt products go beyond just flour, so be sure look for whole-spelt pasta as well and try some using the pasta recipe below.

If you are new to cooking with spelt (like I was not too long ago!) here are some helpful facts…

• Spelt is a true non-hybrid grain, it has not been hybridized or chemically altered by man (spelt is a natural cross between Emmer wheat and Goats grass).
• Spelt has a deliciously light, nutty flavor and has been grown and eaten around the world for thousands of years.
• Spelt flour can be easily substituted for wheat flour in baked goods.
• The gluten in spelt breaks down in warm water and mixing (which makes it easier to digest) while the gluten in modern wheats is broken down only in acid and alcohol. It can be used by people with wheat intolerance, IBS or other inflammatory problems; but for best results suspend eating modern day wheat for at least 3 weeks to be able to recognize a difference.
• Spelt contains all eight essential amino acids, is about 60 percent higher in protein than common wheat, and contains B viatamins, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and fiber. Be sure to always choose whole-grain spelt.

Today we are giving away some spelt products and also sharing a fun spelt pasta recipe (at the bottom of the post). Enjoy!

Giveaway Details

9 WINNERS each received:

• A mixed case of Nature’s Legacy Whole Grain Organic Spelt Pasta (a $35.98 value per box)

1 GRAND PRIZE winner received: 

•  A mixed case of Nature’s Legacy Whole Grain Organic Spelt Pasta (a $35.98 value per box)

• $150 to purchase groceries to go along with the 100% Whole Spelt Pasta!

More about Nature’s Legacy For Life…

Since 1979, Purity Foods (the creators of Nature’s Legacy and VitaSpelt) has been a worldwide supplier of certified organic food products. Their organic flour mill is one of the largest in the industry and they provide all natural organic spelt products without any additives, preservatives or artificial ingredients. Find out more about spelt and the health benefits associated with it. To find Nature’s Legacy foods at a store near you, check out their store locator on their website.

Recipe Using Spelt Pasta

Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce commonly used there as a marinade and sauce for grilled meat. It is similar to pesto and a great use for extra herbs from your garden or the farmers’ market. It is light and zesty and therefore perfect to enjoy in the summertime. This versatile pasta could be used as a side dish next to grilled meat, or as a main dish along with some fresh vegetables or meats mixed into the pasta. There are two ways to prepare the chimichurri sauce, with everything chopped up and mixed together (much like a salsa) or by pureeing everything in a food processor. It is fun to experiment and try both techniques.

Chimichurri Spelt Pasta

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe courtesy of Nature's Legacy

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Ingredients

• 1 box spelt pasta VitaSpelt or Nature's Legacy Whole Spelt Pasta
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt kosher, plus more to taste
• 1 head garlic minced
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes more if you like more heat
• 1 bunch cilantro stems removed and chopped
• 1 bunch parsley stems removed and chopped
• 1 bunch oregano stems removed and chopped
• 3/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
• pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook whole spelt pasta according to package directions. VitaSpelt Whole Spelt Spaghetti will cook in about 5 minutes.
2. Toss cooked pasta with about 1/2 cup chimichurri sauce. Extra sauce makes a great marinade, sandwich spread, salad dressing, or salsa.

Chimichurri Sauce

1. Combine red wine vinegar, 1 tsp. salt, minced garlic, finely diced red onion, and chili flakes in a medium bowl and let stand for 5-10 minutes. 
   
   

2. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and oregano. 

3. Slowly stir in oil with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Alternate Chimichurri Instructions: Remove stems from fresh herbs. Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   

Recipe Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.

The contest is now closed.