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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.
Kate says
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Kate says
We're always looking to try new healthy grains!
Amy L says
I'd like to try spelt pasta because I've been trying to reduce the amount of regular wheat in my diet. I have chronic health issues and am trying dietary changes in a effort to improve my health.
Gianna Mistry says
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Gianna Mistry says
My husband and I changed over our diet to real food after discovering this blog 1 year ago! We are still going strong and I am still learning new things everyday. I'm really curious to try spelt pasta as I'm looking for ways to incorporate other whole grains besides wheat into our diet.
Ana Silva says
Would love to try spelt pasta! Recipe sounds delicious!!
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Ann Nelsin says
I have ground spelt into flour to make crackers and other baked goods. I would like to try the pasta. I have been eating real food for 6 months. I am trying to avoid hybridized wheat.
Lindsey Gilman says
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Lindsey Gilman says
I'd like to try spelt pasta because it is a non-hybrid grain and because of the high protein content!
Jessi Randall says
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Jessi Randall says
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Jessi Randall says
I'm interested in trying spelt pasta because, as of now, pasta is off our list unless I make it - and that means I occasionally make ravioli, but nothing else! We loved pasta, but do not have access to a, IMO, good pasta option here. This may be just the thing.
Veronica Cummings says
I would love to win so that I could make healthier meals for my family.
Heather says
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Nicole says
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Nicole says
I would like to try it because I've never tried it before. If you recommend it I know its going to be good!!
Jenny says
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Jenny says
Would love to try
Cheri says
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Cheri says
My husband and I have just made the switch to a completely organic lifestyle. We would love to try this pasta!
Christa says
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Christa says
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Christa says
I want to try spelt pasta because i LOVE spelt-- I made honey spelt bread that my children eat almost before it's out of the oven. I make rolled spelt porridge, and whole cooked spelt for breakfast with homemade maple syrup. DELICIOUS! I look forward to trying spelt pasta too. Even if I don't win. :)
Amy Kim says
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Amy Kim says
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Amy Kim says
I would love to try these because I'm interested in using a variety of grains in my cooking.
Mandy says
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Mandy says
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Mandy says
I would love to try this alternative to our usual pasta. Looks much healthier.
Jennifer G says
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Jennifer G says
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Jennifer G says
I am interested because of the nutritional value of the spelt flour, this is an awesome giveaway
Christy says
We have a couple people in our family who are sensitive to gluten but not intolerant. I'd love to try it out to see if it is easier for them to digest!
Andrea says
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Andrea says
I'd like to try spelt pasta because our family tries very hard to avoid GMOs and spelt isn't one. Yay!
karen ballinger says
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karen ballinger says
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karen ballinger says
I've heard that slept taste close to the enriched pasta. I want to try it so I can feed my family pasta dishes that they would actually enjoy instead of just tolerating the taste. We ear a lot of pasta!
karen ballinger says
That should say spelt, not slept......autocorrect, grrrttt.
Elaine Snowbeck says
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