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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.
Melissa says
I always enjoy cooking with and eating whole grains but I haven't tried spelt and would love to try it!
Mindy says
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Mindy says
Would like to try it because of sensitivity to wheat and I am always looking for something new!
Holly says
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Leanne Petty says
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Leanne Petty says
Would love to try it!
Sharon Appel says
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Sharon Appel says
Very interested in wheat alternatives. Non GMO. Recipe looks super!
carmen says
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carmen says
This pasta looks great! I'm always looking for more ways to add healthy grains to our diet. Excited to check them out.
suzanne campbell says
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suzanne campbell says
I would like to try it becasue i have begun using spelt flour to bake with and am over the heavy tasing healthy claiming pastas.
Tonya Thompson says
Interested because I want to try a wheat alternative. I have heard good things about spelt flour/pasta.
Adrienne says
Interested in going wheat-free for tummy issues
Carol S. says
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Carol S. says
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Carol S. says
It is such a more healthy alternative to my usual pasta I make. This would be great for the entire family.
Lisa Strader says
I'm always interested in new foods— and since there's a distinct possibility my husband might have wheat intolerance, I'm interested in giving spelt a try!
Lindsay Bumbarger says
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Facebook :)
RT says
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RT says
I have been trying to cut down on wheat products, and experiment with "better" grains. I have yet to try spelt pasta!
Lindsay Bumbarger says
I absolutely love baking with Spelt flour, but haven't tried spelt pasta yet. I am sure it would be delicious! Would love to try this brand :)
Katherine says
I am always interested in trying new grains.
Lori says
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Lori says
I want to try this product out since I am embarking on this adventure if trying to feed my family "real food."
Jamie says
I would love to introduce my family to a new whole grain!! Thanks for hosting!
Liat Shyken says
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Liat Shyken says
I am always interested in trying something new and ESPECIALLY something healthy. Thanks for giving all of us great ideas to improve our real food eating.
rachel says
I've made spelt bread but never tried pasta. Always down for trying healthy new foods!
Barb says
I just started baking with spelt wheat flour. Love it!
Barb says
Whoops. Make that spelt flour (no wheat) lol.
Aileen says
I would love to try spelt pasta. I'm trying to cut out white pasta/flour. Hopefully I could get my boyfriend more on board with this since it's a milder flavor.
Cathy says
Eating certain wheat products makes me feel incredibly bloated, so I would love to try spelt and see if it agrees with me more. Thank you for the info and giveaway!
Tina says
Spelt sounds like it would be great to try!
Amy Zubel says
I've never heard of spelt but would like to try it.
Elizabeth Binder says
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