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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.
Teresa Goller says
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Leia says
Would love to try spelt products as a way to increase the amount of "real food" in our lives. Always interested in trying new things!
Carrie says
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lisa davis says
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Patti Beardslee says
I'd like to try this since it is a non hybrid grain and I am trying to give my family healthier foods.
Carrie says
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erin ginos says
I'd love to win! I've never tried spelt but would love to!!
lisa davis says
I have never tried it, and would like to.
Carrie says
Trying to become as much as unprocessed eaters as we can and healthier options. Would love to try something new. I have 3 boys (ages 4, 2, and 15 months) and they love to help me cook. It's our way of spending as much time together as we can (no matter the mess we make) :-)
Debbie says
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Cindy Bergland says
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Lisa W says
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Lisa W says
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Lisa W says
I am looking for new pasta to eat so i dont have to give it up totally. :)
Michelle H says
I've enjoyed using spelt flour - pasta sounds great!
Debbie says
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Torrey says
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Emily W says
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Jill C says
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Hayley says
I've never cooked with this type of pasta before and would love to try it!
Debbie says
Always looking for healthier alternatives. I've used Spelt flour before, but not the pasta. Very curious!
Cindy Bergland says
I am allergic to wheat, but I have found that I can eat spelt without problems.
Teresa says
Sounds delicious!
Yvonne says
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Rhianna says
I am interested in trying spelt because I'm trying to eat healthier but always feel a little "off" after a heavy whole-wheat meal (bread, pasta, etc.) and am starting to wonder if I have a gluten intolerance. Spelt may be a better choice for me :)
Yvonne says
Like Spelt Pasta on Facebook.
Jill C says
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Emily W says
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Torrey says
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Crystal says
Newsletter :)
Jill C says
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Molly Carlton says
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Sandy Jones says
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Torrey says
I have enjoyed several items made from Spelt but i have yet to try spelt pasta and I think my family would enjoy it!
Lacey says
I love baking with spelt, but I've never tried the pasta...I'm sure it's great!
Rebecca says
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Yvonne says
I have never tried Spelt but enjoy a variety of grains. It would be intriguing to add this to the list. Also, thank you for the opportunity!
Sandy Jones says
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Emily W says
I've never had Spelt Pasta before and would love to try it! I can't eat most pastas because the gluten in it, but I would love to see if my body reacts to the different gluten in the spelt.
Jill C says
I have never tried spelt pasta, but would love to give t a whirl. We love baking with spelt!