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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.
Jennifer says
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Jennifer says
My family has just started to investigate using whole foods. This is a new journey for us!
Rachel says
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Rachel says
I am interested in trying this product because I am always looking for more ways to incorporate whole foods into my diet.
Crysti L. says
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Crysti L. says
We'd like to try because we are slowly getting rid of processed foods in our house and eat pasta often. Always looking for a new way to have a whole food while still eating delicious foods!
Gretchen @ Desert Survivor says
I've never tried any spelt flour products and would like to.
Monica says
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Monica says
Would love to try a new kind of pasta
Addie says
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Addie says
I would like to try spelt pasta for a nice change-up from plain old whole wheat!
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Ana Prall says
I first read about spelt on your blog and have been curious since. I finally bought a loaf of spelt bread at my local farmers market and it is delicious! I would love to try it as a pasta!
Michelle K says
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Michelle K says
I am interested in trying spelt because I am trying to eat cleaner and healthier. I have never heard of spelt before and it sounds like it could be a great addition my diet! Thanks!
Lori Warnock says
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Lori Warnock says
I've never heard of spelt before but am always trying to find better foods to feed my family. I can't wait to try this!!
Carmen says
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Carmen says
I've never tried spelt before and we're trying to eat healthier and trying different foods.
Hilary Cope says
I'm interested in trying this product because I've never had it before. Gradually introducing new and healthier foods to my family - while at the same time trying not to break the grocery budget!
Stewart says
I've never had spelt before, but I am interested in trying this wheat substitute.
Jennifer says
I am interested in this giveaway because I care enough to make my boy's snacks instead of allowing him to eat what he is served at church and on playdates. Thank you for this opportunity!
Jill L says
I am very interested in trying this product,we are new to eating whole foods and are eager to try new things.Thanks
Jessica Johns says
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Jessica Johns says
I would love to try the spelt pasta because I've never tried any pasta other than plain white pasta. I don't cook it anymore because I don't like feeding it to my family.
Kari says
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Kari says
We'd love to try this! I just started this week cleaning up our foods. Would love another option.
Karen says
we have been trying to clean up our diet little by little. i keep hearing about the ancient grains like quinoa and spelt. already hooked on quinoa...now i would like to try the spelt. :-)
Stacie says
Would love to try the spelt pasta. I haven't seen it around here.
Sherrie says
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Sherrie says
I would love to try spelt as my daughter struggles with gluten.
Joy says
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Joy says
I have been trying all types of pasta lately trying to find the right one that makes my family and myself happy. I haven't tried spelt pasta yet but would love to and will be looking for it in my store today.