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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.
Felita Holbrook says
My family loves to eat healthy so this would be a great thing to add to my pantry.
Jennifer Iley says
I have never tried whole-spelt pasta, or anything made with spelt but would really like to. I don't know that I can find it in my grocery stores.
Misti says
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Kristin says
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Kristi R says
I have heard about spelt flour (but not about pasta until now)from a friend and intend on trying it in recipes soon. "Newsletter" "Facebook"
Lucille says
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Joseph G. says
I'm looking start eating healthy and want to start eating more natural food
Misti says
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Misti says
I have never tried spelt pasta, and I want to soon!
Lucille says
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Lucille says
I have been using spelt flour and pasta since 2010 when I contracted Lyme's disease.
laura e says
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Kristin says
I didn't realize that spelt was a good, whole food alternative to whole wheat. Looking forward to trying it!
Heather W. says
It sounds delicious and healthful to me!
kristen c says
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Becky Gr says
Newsletter.
laura says
trying to eat healthier
Becky G says
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kristen c says
Would love to try this because we like natural pasta's with great flavor.
Denise says
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Ginny says
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Denise says
My son and husband are diabetic so I am interested in trying!
Michelle says
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Michelle says
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Ginny says
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Ginny says
I am excited to try anything new and healthy.
Michelle says
I've never tried spelt pasta and I think it would be fantastic to try it as a way to get a more unprocessed pasta.
Cindy Bergland says
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Michelle says
Thank you for offering the contest!
I am always looking for healthy alternatives for pasta, and the spelt pasta sounds good. I've baked with spelt before, but didn't know pasta was available. We eat LOTS of pasta since we are very active, so a good healthy alternative to whole wheat is enticing!
Please pick me! LOL =)
Patti Beardslee says
Looking for healthier foods to feed my husband and self and soon my son who will start solids in a few weeks.
Hannah says
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Holly says
To experience the health benefits of spelt.
gloria says
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Patti Beardslee says
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lisa davis says
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Leia says
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Hannah says
Always looking for healthier options!!
Leia says
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