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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.
Elaine Snowbeck says
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Elaine Snowbeck says
I will try organic spelt pasta because I have digestive problems. I have been eating organic rice pasta, but from what I have heard spelt pasta tastes better. I just picked up a box on sale. I did notice that even the regular price is cheaper than other alternative pastas at my supermarket.
Edd says
I want to try spelt because I want more variety in my diet. I also want my young daughter to learn to eat a well balanced variety of foods and spelt send like a highly nutritious food.
Erica williams says
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Erica williams says
I've been curious about spelt but have trouble finding it where I live. I hope to see some more improvements n my health from using it.
Mary Elizabeth VonDras says
I have just recently tried rice pasta (Tinkyada) and was happily surprised at how delicious it was! Spelt might be just as yummy!! I've started to explore whole and healthy foods with greater vigilence because my young son is "on the spectrum" and diet really matters, and has been found to directly influence behavior, and overall health
PS: I tried to rate the recipe (with 5 stars), but my ipad didn't respond to the interface very well; it would only give 3 stars, then two...so i was able to delete them all so as not to give a false poor rating!.
Angela D says
I'd like to try it because I have RA and believe that the inflammation is worsened by wheat. I did not know that the gluten breaks down for digestion easier in spelt making it a great alternative!
Julie Mwaniki says
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Julie Mwaniki says
I've heard a lot about spelt lately and would like to try it. I like that it is more digestible by those with gluten sensitivities as we are reducing how much grain we eat.
Jill M says
I would love to try spelt as I am not able to tolerate wheat.
Joanna says
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Joanna says
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Joanna says
I recently tried spelt flour for the first time, in your pumpkin muffins, (I had been making them with whole wheat). I'd love to try some other spelt products!
Tamara says
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Tamara says
I'm just curious about spelt. What a wonderful way to try it out😊
Sarah L says
I've been curious about spelt. I'd love to try it as an alternative to wheat. I like that it has so much protein.
Angie says
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Angie says
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Angie says
I want to try spelt products because I am looking for an alternative to wheat.
Jennifer N. says
I'm trying to provide less processed foods for my little ones. Spelt sounds like a good place to start!
Angela Le says
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Angela Le says
Looking for an alternative to wheat flour and wheat flour products. So excited to try spelt flour!!
Lisa M says
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Lindsay Creswell says
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Lisa M says
I like to try new foods and if it makes me feel better than that's good.
Lindsay Creswell says
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Lindsay Creswell says
Would love to try Spelt pasta b/c we are taking baby steps to cut out all processed foods in our home and move to more healthy pasta choices!
Rachel says
Would love to get into healthier pasta's...has been a hard area for me to switch over in...
Abby S says
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Abby S says
We are looking for healthy, tasty alternatives to what we currently eat. Would love to try this!
Gaby Gerken says
I want to try something new and healthy!
Keri says
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Keri says
I'd like to try spelt because my future daughter-in-law is gluten intolerant. Thanks!
Stacey says
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Stacey says
I frequently use quinoa pasta but sometimes the texture just doesn't seem right--I would love to see how spelt pasta works out!
Steph says
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Steph says
I would love to try some spelt products and see if my family can tell the difference! We eat a lot of whole wheat pasta, so I'm curious to see how the taste compares.
Summer Frace says
I just recently tried spelt bread for the first time and tried some spelt flour in baking and would love to try some pasta next!
Breanne says
I love spelt pasta and flour! Facebook
Melissa says
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