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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.
Charlene says
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Charlene says
I love that spelt is a non-hybrid grain and can be eaten in a whole version. I'd really love to try it!
Laura Weisiger says
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Laura Weisiger says
I am just a college student trying to live as healthy as possible! I would love to experiment with a different type of pasta!
Bonnie says
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Bonnie says
We love spelt pasta at out house! We're wheat sensitive so spelt is my favorite replacement!
Tina Hittinger says
I love my pasta, thanks to my Italian heritage, but I need a healthier, whole grain option. Especially now that I am determined to lose some weight, after a foot injury. Spelt pasta would be just the thing to allow for my pasta cravings, and not be a detriment to my health goals!
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Katie says
I would love to try spelt pasta. Since my family loves pasta it would be a great way to have a healthier option for my family!
gina says
I am always looking for tasty healthy foods, so I would love to try this!
Jen says
I would love to try spelt pasta. We eat a lot of pasta and would love a healthier option.
Shannon says
I would like to try spelt pasta because I've never tried it before and it will help me stick with my goal of eating real foods.
Katelyn says
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Katelyn says
I am interested in trying it because it sounds like something new and tasty!
Amanda E. says
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stephanie says
I would like to try whole wheat spelt pasta because it is high in manganese!
Tracy says
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Amanda E. says
My husband and I have been eating mostly real food lately, and this would definitely help stock up our pantry.
Tracy says
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Tracy says
I have not tried Spelt and would love to. We are trying real hard to use more natural products and this would be a good thing to try.
Kristin says
We've been trying to mix up our grain choices a bit, instead of just relying on wheat and oats.
Rachael Butler says
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Rachael Butler says
I would love to try spelt for the first time!
Amanda Kopischke Mollenhour says
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Amanda Kopischke Mollenhour says
I would love to try Spelt pasta because I have been wanting to make the switch to spelt flour entirely. It seems to be much more expensive to buy it pre-spelt though and I don't have the time right now to try to spelt my own.
Sarah says
I have seen recipes with spelt flour but didn't know what it was and I was too intimidated to try it. After reading your post, I'd love to give it a go!
Lacey C. says
I've not tried spelt yet but am on a super restrictive diet for health reasons and would love to give it a try!
Melanie says
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Melanie says
I just made your pumpkin muffins a few days ago and can't get enough of them!! I'd be interested in trying the pasta, I'm sure it's just as good!
Cheri says
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Cheri says
I have never used spelt before but am always up for trying new foods, especially natural foods. I always enjoy you page and your recipes!!!!
Diana Longwell says
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Natalie says
Love your website and Facebook page. I am on your site everyday as I change my family over to real foods. I actually do not make a lot of pasta dishes, but do love it. Would love to start playing around with some pasta recipes more!