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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 Walker says
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Erika says
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Krista says
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Jennifer Walker says
I would love to try a pasta with a better texture!
Holly Hunter says
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Kelley says
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Holly Hunter says
I'd love to try a new kind if healthy pasta!
Marsha C says
I've been itching to try your pumpkin muffin recipe. I just need some spelt!
Kelley says
Trying really hard to get away from wheat products as they do not mix well with my GI issues. I've been curious about spelt but haven't tried it yet seems like it may be a good alternative.
Elizabeth M says
I've never heard of spelt before now. I have Crohn's Disease and would be interested in trying it to see for myself if it's less harsh on my insides than whole wheat/grain. It intrigues me, and makes me think that I may still be able to eat healthier without worrying about my inflammatory problems. Thank hou so much!!
Krista says
I'm not a fan of whole wheat, so I'm anxious to give this a try. And we did just cut out gluten for 3 weeks, so I'd also like to try this and see we have any reactions.
Susan says
I've tried the Vita Spelt pasta and we really like it. Would love to win!
Brooke says
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Erika says
Ever since my boyfriend started having problems with wheat I've been looking for substitutes in baking. Excited to try this!
Megan says
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Lauren says
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sharon simon says
I have problem with gluten, been wanting to try spelt
Brooke says
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Jill Davis says
I have just started my journey to a cleaner way of eating and am very excited to try spelt!
Lauren says
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Brooke says
I love pasta, but have tried to stray away from it since trying to follow a more whole food diet. I would love to try spelt pasta as a new, healthier alternative!
Joann says
I'm always looking for healthy and delicious foods to feed my family. :)
Lauren says
I'm interested in trying an alternate to whole wheat pasta.
debra goichman says
I would love to try this product. I am 3 years post lung transplant and am always working to improve my diet! I know my life depends on it. Thanks also please send the newsletter.
Jersey says
I'd like to try an alternative to white flour And this sounds like a flour that I would like especially in big goods.
Lisa C says
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Sams Mum says
I've almost given up baking (my fave!) cuz I don't like the results with any amount of wheat flour... Maybe spelt would bring back the love
Jenn says
I never knew exactly what spelt was until now! My husband isn't a fan of the whole wheat pasta (or baking I do with whole wheat). I'm going to have to try finding some and see if he can tell the difference!
Jennifer says
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Jamie says
I would love to try spelt!! Trying to get healthier.
Sarah L says
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Megan says
I'm new to the "real food" thing but this sounds like a great thing to try! I'd never heard of spelt before!
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Lisa C says
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Tara says
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Sarah L says
I'm always looking for ways to make a more healthy pasta dish and my husband never wants to eat whole wheat pasta.