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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.
Elizabeth B says
I have wanted to try spelt again. This would help me out!
Cathy says
I've never tried spelt anything before, but now I will. Thanks for the info!
Emily says
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Emily says
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Jessica says
I would love to try to the spelt for some variety from usual wheat pasta - and I want to try to those muffins now too!
Annie says
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Kaitlin M says
I'd love to try spelt as an alternative to whole wheat and brown rice pasta
Kristy says
I would love to try Spelt and the pasta recipe looks great!
Sharon says
We've been trying to incorporate more whole grain into our diets..and eliminate white flour completely...I've not tried spelt pasta yet and would love to.
Jen says
I have heard so much about spelt and have wanted to try the pasta for a while now! This would be a great prize to win!
Jessica says
Would love to try this brand of spelt pasta! We have used VitaSpelt in the past and really liked it!
Georgia kristan says
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Jeeny says
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tess says
I've tried spelt flour in pancakes before, but i'd love to keep baking with it some more!
Amanda says
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Amanda says
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Amanda says
I'd like to try the spelt because it seems like a really healthy alternative to regular pasta.
suzy says
i would like to try spelt for my 1 year old son who has many allergies: egg, nuts, gluten, dairy, avocado, carrots, cauliflower, mango, etc. each time i try a food i wonder if he will have an allergy or not. i'm also looking for whole foods way to feed him.
suzy says
liked the spelt facebook page.
Katey says
I've always eaten whole wheat pasta - I like it! My regular and most convenient grocery store just started carrying spelt flour, but I don't have any good pasta options... YET
Nadi says
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Jennifer VanGorder says
Interested in trying spelt for our family who has wheat allergies. Curious if the spelt will be easier on their stomachs.
Kaitlyn says
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Barbara Fisher says
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Barbara Fisher says
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Ally says
So far we've enjoyed sprouted spelt flour and spelt pancakes. Can't wait to try spelt pasta!
Carol Rhodes says
I would love to try this pasta. We are trying to feed our family non-gmo, whole foods. Our family likes to try new things, and this sounds like a great product!
Barbara Fisher says
Just about finished radiation treatments for breast cancer diagnosed seven months ago. Looking to learn and appreciate new foods. Trying spelt grain would be a new adventure in my healthy journey! Monthly self checks and mammogram are key to early detection. I am a survivor!
Karey V. says
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Kristin says
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Karey V. says
So interested to try - I've seen spelt in many recipes, but haven't given it a go yet!
Kaitlyn says
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Kaitlyn says
Pasta is easy, versatile, and yummy! So why wouldn't I want to eat the healthiest option out there?!
Heather Mayfield says
Would love to try a new grain.
Amy says
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Brittney says
we are wary of wheat right now due to digestive issues but both my kids love pasta/
Amy says
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Amy says
My family and I would like to try another type of pasta that not only is healthy for us but also tasty.
Charlene says
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