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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.
Jamie says
I started buying spelt flour sandwich rounds from our local natural food store in place of regular grocery store sandwich rounds that have a ton of preservatives. Surprising, my son loves them! I would love to try other items made with spelt flour!
Katie H says
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Lucy P says
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Nicole says
My family would love to give this pasta a try. I'm always looking for healthy pasta options :).
Katie H says
I would love to try spelt! My husband is battling a nasty intestinal bacteria infection. After multiple rounds of antibiotics not working, we are now trying to change his diet along with the medication. Spelt would be a great thing for him to try!
Maxine Booth says
I'm very excited to try this pasta since I love to bake bread with spelt flour.
Lucy P says
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Stephan says
I have heard that spelt has health benefits.
Dora says
NEWSLETTER
Lucy P says
I would love to introduce a new whole grain into my family's diet.
Andrea L. says
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Stephan says
"newsletter"
CANDICE says
NEWSLETTER
Stephan says
"Like"
Susan H says
newsletter
Joan says
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Stephan says
"Facebook"
Dora says
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Jaqueline says
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Joan says
I am going to be cooking for myself for the first time soon and would like to get started off right with real foods! My budget is small, though, so this would be a great head start.
elisabeth says
I have a very good friend who is wheat free and introduced me to spelt flour for baking and I'd love to try the pasta (and share it w him :-)
Dora says
Trying to make a life change. :)
Ashton says
I have wanted to try spelt for a long time but have yet to see it in my local stores.
Jaqueline says
I would love to try spelt pasta. I have heard that spelt has lots of health benefits
CANDICE says
I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THESE SPELT PRODUCTS BECAUSE I AM LOOKING FOR HEALTIER WAYS TO EAT AND COOK!
Linda Stubbs says
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Linda Stubbs says
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Andrea L. says
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Susan H says
facebook
Katey W. says
Newsletter!
CANDICE says
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Linda Stubbs says
As a single mother, I am always looking for affordable healthy alternatives to the foods my son's peers enjoy on a regular basis. People come to me for suggestions for different meals because they don't want the junk either! I love trying new things and finding what works for us, and even more when I can pass on a recipe!
Simi says
I am curious to try this new grain .
Katey W. says
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Helen says
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Michelle says
This recipe for the spelt pasta looks amazing! I am always up for trying new, organic foods, and I also have IBS so I will also try anything natural to ease up on that. If I don't win the contest, I still intend on trying spelt pasta! :) Thanks for the recipe!
Katey W. says
I am so excited to try this pasta! I was looking at it in the store the other day when my toddler decided to try and bail out of the cart so by the time my heart stopped pounding I had moved on down the aisle and didn't pick up any!
Helen says
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Kelley S. says
Newsletter - subscribed under yahoo.com address instead of the one I listed here. I can provide as proof of entry if I win.