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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.
Shanna says
I would love to try this alternative to whole wheat!
Danielle says
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Sandy Jones says
I am trying to eat better grains and trying to find a healthier option that tastes good.
Jenn F says
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Molly Carlton says
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Kassi says
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Molly Carlton says
We are always looking for ways to be healthier! With 4 young girls, I am trying constantly to teach them awareness of what we are putting into our bodies!
Jennifer Jernigan says
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Machelle Nemitz says
I always love to try new recipes! Sounds great and hopefully my kids will like it!!
Stephanie Fernhaber says
I have never heard of this before - but look forward to trying it out!
Lacey says
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Jenn says
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Crystal says
Facebook :)
Rebecca says
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Kassi says
I would love this! We love spelt pasta!
Heather says
My five year old eats plain noodles almost everyday for lunch. He needs all the protein he can get, so these Spelt Pasta Noodles may be a great option for him! Thanks so much!
Jennifer Jernigan says
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Pam says
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Jennifer Cangelosi says
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Pam says
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Jennifer Jernigan says
My child has had several issues with food sensitivity. I would love to try the spelt products!!
Danielle says
Would love to try this, always like trying new things!
Crystal says
I would love to try a healthier pasta alternative!
Rebecca says
We are interested in eating healthier and better for us and the environment foods. I've been reading about Spelt and would love to try it!
Lauren S says
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Kate Cherrington says
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Kylie says
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Jennifer Cangelosi says
I'm always looking for healthier alternatives to pasta!
Amelia says
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Kait says
3rd comment:
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Amelia says
I'm wondering if I might have a wheat allergy and would like to try some not-as-common grains. Waking up with sore joints, acne, etc. It would also be nice to have a way to try something new when money is tight for spending on foodstuffs. Thanks!
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Amy says
I didn't see this post, so just in case:
3rd comment:
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Kait says
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Heather says
I have never tried spelt anything, but I am very curious about it. Over the past year, we have started making all kinds of changes to our diet and trying new foods, so this would be a great one to add to the list!
Jenn says
I want to try the egg noodles
Kylie says
I love pasta! Plus, trying new recipes is something I really enjoy also. :)