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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.
Carrie Zavala says
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Carrie Zavala says
Want to take the challenge, but just starting the journey. Trying to learn all I can.
Melissa says
I have been wanting to try spelt flour/pasta! Great article!
Kimberly says
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Kimberly says
I LOVE spelt pasta already! It can be a little harder to find but so worth it!
Styleezta (@styleezta) says
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Styleezta (@styleezta) says
Mainly health benefits!
Louis says
I'd like to try spelt pasta for the health benefits and taste.
Meryl says
I love pasta and would like a healthier version.
Rachael says
I'd love to try spelt pasta!
Alicia says
Pasta's my biggest hang up, with my switch to real food and my sudden fear of some of the horrible things I've been eating for years. Instead of continuing to try alternatives to traditional pasta, I've just cut back... Way back and it's sad. I miss my pasta & would love to find out that spelt pasta is the answer. Fingers crossed!
Jani Gamez says
Newsletter~ I did read the comments of mostly in the US, but we are stationed in South Korea with the Army...we have an APO address~
Jani Gamez says
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Jani Gamez says
I would love to try spelt...we are not able to find spelt here in South Korea! I love that it is has not been altered by man! I would love that it would be better for my family than the pasta we can currently buy here!
Alicia says
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Alicia says
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Alicia says
I love to hear that is has not been chemically treated or had anything negative added to it, would love to try spelt pasta. :D
colleen whalen says
I believe in trying spelt products because it is a very ancient grain which was grown before wheat was hybridized and tinkered with by humans. Spelt dates back to the very beginning of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent region. Some people who cannot tolerate wheat can eat spelt instead. Plus spelt is Yum-O!
BTW - in the newsletter sign up section on the other web page, there was nowhere to put "newsletter" just your email address - so I hope my contest entry went through?
Nancy says
I've not used spelt products before and would be interested in trying them. We are foodies so we're always open to new items.
maria says
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maria says
I would love to add another healthier pasta to our rotation! I love spelt flour, so this sounds good
Carey Coming says
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Carey Coming says
I just liked Nature’s Legacy on facebook.
Carey Coming says
Thanks to you Lisa my first spelt use was making your pumpkin muffin recipe and I've never looked back. I sue spelt flour for lots of this now. I'll be trying this recipe too. I haven't tried spelt pasta yet. It looks great!
Michelle Harrison says
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Michelle Harrison says
I'm interested in trying to use less wheat...so this past sounds good.
Angie says
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Angie says
I love anything new and whoe grain
Janet says
I have liked on Facebook!
Janet says
I would like to try spelt! I am sensitive to gluten (not celiac) and I did not know that spelt was so gluten-friendly. It has always been lumped in with things that I could not eat, but I think it would work fine!
Thanks for the information!
Patty says
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Patty says
I'm still learning about the varieties of grains and would like to try spelt to see if it I reasonable to add to my choices. Thank you for the opportunity!
Brianna says
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Brianna says
i have never tried spelt pasta and I would love to! Some people in my family have wheat sensitivities, so I would love to make a meal with this pasta that everyone can eat.
Danielle says
I love that spelt is easier to digest and more nutritionally rich than common wheat. I would love to give it a try!
Laura says
My husband and I think of pasta as the ultimate comfort food- I'd love a new, less guilty option to try :)
sara says
I would love to try a healthier pasta for my family.
Christina says
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Christina says
Why try spelt pasta? I've been experimenting with spelt flour and really like the results and the nutrition factors. Spelt past sounds great to me!
Kate says
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