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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 is 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 to 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.
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
Ingredients
- 1 box spelt pasta (VitaSpelt or Nature's Legacy Whole Spelt Pasta)
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (kosher, plus more to taste)
- 1 head garlic (minced)
- ½ red onion (diced)
- 1 ½ 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)
- ¾ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook whole spelt pasta according to package directions. VitaSpelt Whole Spelt Spaghetti will cook in about 5 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta with about ½ cup chimichurri sauce. Extra sauce makes a great marinade, sandwich spread, salad dressing, or salsa.
Chimichurri Sauce
- 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.
- Stir in cilantro, parsley, and oregano.
- 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.
Mary says
Always looking for new foods to try!
Jennifer says
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Lisa C says
We eat way too much refined carbs, would live to see if my picky 5 year old would eat it
Jennifer says
My kids aren't big on regular whole wheat pasta, and I'd like to see if they prefer this.
Haley S says
Oooh! It sounds good! I would love to make this recipe.
Deana Lundin says
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Amy Hodges says
Always interested in new ways to improve my family and my own health.:)
Alyssa M. says
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Sarah says
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Alyssa M. says
I love trying new things, especially if they are good for me! Excited to try this recipe!
Sarah says
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Sarah says
Ever since I found this site I have been swapping ingredients and meals for better options. Getting to use this new spelt in all of my baking and cooking will not only help me on my track to a better food life, but also give me a better way to get my friends into real food.
Christin Attebury says
I'm always looking for ways to incorporate whole grains into my diet and this sounds like a good one to try next.
Lori S. says
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Lori S. says
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Lori S. says
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!
Christina says
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Bridgid Nichols says
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Sharon Lifsey says
I have tried the spelt flour and loved it. I would like to try spelt pasta because I'm trying to get away from anything bleached and processed.
Bridgid Nichols says
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Bridgid Nichols says
I have some stomach issues myself and lots of family members with the same issues. Plus I have wanted to try it for awhile because it sounds good.
Kalyn says
I've been interested in trying spelt anything so this would be great!
Jill Smith says
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Ava Hammond says
Newsletter please!
Jill Smith says
I'd love to try whole spelt pasta to see if it is lighter than whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat pasta seems so heavy. We eat it because it's healthier than regular, but I miss the lighter texture of the regular pasta. I'm hoping that whole spelt pasta will be what I've been looking for.
Christina says
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Ava Hammond says
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Christina says
I'd like to give Spelt a try in my muffins.
Ava Hammond says
I am at a point in my life where I have to change how I eat if I want to remain healthy and keep weight off. I love pasta, and have tried the multigrain, but I am looking for alternatives as I like variety. I would love to try spelt pasta!
Cheryl @Living Design says
Spelt is pretty amazing. I've tried spelt matzah, can't wait to try spelt pasta!
Megan Allred says
why haven't I heard of this before? Going to try it whether i win or lose!
Lisa says
We love pasta but don't eat it as much as we would like. I would love to try a healthier alternative!
Shirley says
Always open to new ideas and products and this looks like a product worth trying.
Christine Nuzzolo says
Newsletter.
Jessica says
Facebook!
Christine Nuzzolo says
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Jessica says
My family and I are HUGE pasta people, so I'd love to try a healthier & more sustainable option!
Christine Nuzzolo says
I am 6 years gluten free. My duaghter has just been diagnosed with a wheat intolerance as well. My son (at age 13) has decided on his to take a 30 day challenge to eliminate unnatural sugars and processed foods from his diet. An amazing undertaking for an athletic teenage boy. He is encouraging the whole family to do the same!! Can't wait to try the spelt pasta!
Danielle H says
Liked natured legacy on facebook
Danielle H says
I have just started making my own bread and would love to try spelt flour!