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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.
Dawn J says
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Rebecca minix says
I am just starting to eat whole and would love to try it!
Melody Morrell says
I would like to try baking with spelt.
Jennifer says
I would love to try this. I have recently started eating only real foods. It is amazing how wonderful my body and mind feels. I will never go back to processed foods as there is true healing power in real food! Thank you 100 days of real food!
Bethany Noah says
Our family loves pasta especially my daughter, and this seems to be the best for you. Little by little we have removed unnatural food from our diets and would love to try this Spelt pasta. Loved reading your site.
Alexys says
This is an interesting option!
Christina Scarce says
Would love to try this. Trying to cook healthier.
Rhianna says
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Angela says
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Jessica Trump says
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nicole st says
Would love to try a new recipe with these, I have not seen them in my local stores yet.
Sue C says
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Dawn J says
I'm always looking for new good for you foods, I would love to try adding whole-spelt to my families diet.
DenelleS says
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Sue C says
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Angela says
I am always looking for new healthy ways to enjoy pasta.
DenelleS says
I would like to try making bread with spelt flour.
Sue C says
I use spelt flour and I love it!
Rhianna says
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Anna Richards says
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MaryBeth says
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MaryBeth says
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Cara says
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MaryBeth says
I love spelt! Would love to incorporate it into more everyday cooking.
Grace Myers says
I've actually never tried spelt. I guess I should.
Beth G says
I'd like to try spelt because I haven't really ever tried cooking with it. I love to experiment with new cooking products.
Cara says
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Beth G says
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Petya H says
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Katie H says
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Cara says
We love pasta, so I would love to try this healthier version!
Anna Richards says
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Amanda Yanetsko says
I would love to try to bake with the flour! Also I love trying new pastas :)
Joan says
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Maxine Booth says
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Jamie says
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Anna Richards says
I would love to win this, I love cooking with different new things
Jessica says
We just recently re-vamped our pantry and the way we eat. I am still continuously looking for new changes we can make, and I would love to try this one!
Maxine Booth says
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Jamie says
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