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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.
Tina-Joy Herrick says
Better for handling food allergies.
elizabeth Jankowski says
I already use and love spelt pasta. It would be a bonus to win some.
jaimie grothe says
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Candice Fox says
I haven't tried spelt pasta but I keep hearing about it and really want to give it a shot!
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TIFFANY DAVIS says
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Mariah Colby says
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Tracie Dickerson says
I am interested in trying the spelt pasta because I am trying to feed my family healthy foods.
Erica says
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jaimie grothe says
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Stacey says
My kids love pasta. I can often get them to eat whole wheat, but I'd love some new healthy options to try with them (wouldn't mind some for myself, either, though I don't eat as much pasta as the kiddos do)!
Brittney says
I would like to try this pasta. I think it would be nutritious option for me and my family. I liked and subscribed your page.
Mary Kate says
I love baking with spelt (makes delicious muffins and cookies) but I've never tried spelt pasta.
Erica says
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jaimie grothe says
Been very interested in clean eating, an tryin my best to get educated. Finally got my family on board an love tryin new things!
Cori says
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Michelle says
I would love to try this! I am always looking for ways to incorporate more whole grains into my meals!
Erica says
Always looking for alternatives to regular whole wheat pasta!
Cyndy says
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Mariah Colby says
I am transitioning to an all natural way of life both with food, cosmetics, and other household products. I would love to try this pasta and add it into my transition state!!
Amanda Stanford says
I have 6 kids and I am always looking for new healthy food for them to try.
TIFFANY DAVIS says
Can't wait to try this pasta. Have been slowing switching my family's eating habits and what a difference I am seeing physically and mentally for my family! My middle daughter is a pasta junky so I am hopeful that she will like this pasta as much as the others we've tried.
Amanda Stanford says
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Erin says
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Melissa S. says
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Cori says
I have heard so much about spelt products and I would love to try them.
Tran says
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Amanda Stanford says
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Kelly says
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Melissa S. says
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Cyndy says
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Amy N says
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Toni says
Healthier option to regular pasta
Cyndy says
I am making the switch to more whole foods for my family and would love to try spelt.
Erin says
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Tran says
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Melissa S. says
Interested in eating cleaner/healthier
Heather says
I am interested in trying spelt to add some variety to our recipes! Everything has been whole wheat for a long time. Yummy, but it would be great to try something new!
Kelly says
I am interested in trying whole-spelt pasta because I am always looking for new and different ways to bring nutritious REAL food to the table. I am somewhat new to the real food world and am slowly transitioning my husband and myself into a more healthy eating lifestyle and mindset. I am tempted but also hesitant to buy every new organic product on the shelf so being able to try this product before buying would be a great opportunity. Thanks!