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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.
Susan H says
I cook wth spelt flour al lot, I have converted friends to spelt flour, I have however, never had the oppotunity to try spelt pasta, we are a family of 7 with five children and I would love to be able to try spelt pasta and purchase it in the future. Spelt is an ancient grain I first heard about six years ago.
Stephanie says
I am always looking for new grains in my diet
Annie says
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Susan says
I'd love to add this product to my pantry!
Steph says
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Steph says
Facebook :)
Alicia Rennels says
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Andrea L. says
I have heard of spelt pasta and would love to try it. I currently use rice pasta, but am always looking for other GF options! I think the recipe above sounds great, too.
Tiffany Harris says
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Annie says
I would like to try spelt pasta. We recently tried making pumpkin muffins with spelt (the recipe was on this website) and they came out great.
Steph says
I have been wanting to try spelt, I enjoy trying new grains!
Elizabeth W. says
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Jennifer J says
Facebook :)
Alicia Rennels says
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Jessie C says
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Jessie C says
I love to try new things and have heard many wonderful things about spelt pasta.
Alicia Rennels says
Looking for ways to reduce my gluten intake and would love to try spelt. It would be wonderful to not have to give up some of my favorite foods!
Elizabeth W. says
I would like to try spelt pasta because I am trying to get away from white pasta but my husband doesn't love the texture of whole wheat pasta. Hoping he would like this better!
Kelley S. says
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Helen says
I have been wanting to try spelt pasta for awhile but just haven't. This would be a great introduction!
Kelley S. says
I would love to try this for my family because it's healthy!
Efe Eworuke says
I have not tried spelt but I will like to.
Tracy Teague says
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Chris says
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Chris says
Always love trying new things!
Mary Anne Law says
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Tracy Teague says
Have purchased before and enjoy their products.
tiffany says
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Mary Anne Law says
I would love to try this. Trying to eat healthier!!
tiffany says
OOOhh - would love to win this! I love spelt for baking and would love to try it in pasta form!
Jennifer Iley says
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Kristin says
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Jennifer J says
I love trying new healthy pasta :) And thank you for the giveaway.