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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.
Trina says
I'd love to try spelt pasta, because I've struggled to find a true whole-grain pasta that everyone likes!
Susan says
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Susan says
I am really enjoying finding healthy unprocessed meal alternatives for our family.... I have heard of spelt but not yet tried it & would love to!
robin says
i would love to try something new! i have never thought of eating spelt before, but am always looking for new ideas since beginning this real food journey.
Kristi S says
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Kristi says
I love using spelt flour in muffins so I would love to see how the pasta tastes!
Shelley says
Just started this journey after reading your 100 day pledges (way to go!) Working through the mini-pledges :) Hoping this giveaway will help!
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Charlene says
I love using different grains! I would like to learn more about using spelt in our diet. Thank you for posting this.
Jenna says
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Jenna says
I am intrigued by the flavor and extra health benefits over traditional whole wheat pasta. Especially with how much pasta we consume!
Meg says
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Meg says
I am interested in trying the Spelt Pasta because our son has ADHD and while we have not switched to a gluten diet yet (we are waiting to see how he does with the whole foods diet), our hope is to be able to help him control his learning disorder without the use of medications. We are noticing improvements in his behavior while on the whole foods diet, and are hoping that with small tweaks he will be able to get off of his medication completely.
Georgia says
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Kat says
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Signed up for Nature's Legacy Newsletter
Georgia says
I'd love to try spelt pasta!
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Rotem says
I'm interested in trying whole-spelt pasta because I am always looking for healthy alternatives for my meals.
Kat says
Oh my goodness.. the reason I want to try the Spelt Pasta, is I love pasta, but the whole wheat is just too chewy. Would love to try the spelt with the numerous pesto recipes I've been collecting and making, Who knew cooking and creating could be this much fun!
Kat says
Started on my journey to reduce processed foods in Jan 2013.
I'm reading and listening to everything I can find on the subject and find myself influencing others, just by example. No hard sell on making the change when the benefits are so obvious! Your blog and Facebook page are inspirational, and I found myself delighted when I heard you referred to in the audio book " Pandora's Lunchbox" I am convinced that education about our foods (and the desire to listen)is the key to turning this situation around!
Callie says
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Jamie Trudell says
I'm really excited to try spelt! I didn't really know about it, but I cook a lot of pasta and it would be great to get those extra nutrients.
Callie says
LOVE spelt. I would love to try this pasta because I try and avoid wheat.
Marie says
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Lynn says
Would love to try a new pasta in addition to our usual brown rice pasta!!
Kristi says
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Marie says
I would love to try spelt, sounds like a great substitution.
Kristi says
My mom and I both have inflammatory issues, and after going gluten-free my mom lost 8 pounds in just over a week! Since then we have been trying to find wheat alternatives that don't taste like cardboard, and spelt flour sounds like it may actually fit that bill! Thanks for the info!
Leah says
Would love to try spelt pasta! Always looking for new ways to incorporate healthy grains into our family's diet!
Tina says
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Tina says
Liked Vitaspelt on Facebook.
LaniQ says
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Tina says
We have switched to grinding our own whole wheat, but we are still struggling with tummy aches. I would love to try spelt to see if that solves our family's tummy aches.