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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.
Sarah M. says
We love pasta, but have trouble with the grainy texture of whole wheat. I'd love to give this a try!
Vicky says
Im interested in trying spelt. Always open to trying new healthier options.
elyse says
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elyse says
my husband loves to try new things!
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Anne says
My first and only grandbaby turns 1 this month...she eats everything in sight as long as it's organic and wholesome and I need to follow her lead so I'll be around for my great-grandbaby's first birthday party, too <3
Corrie says
I have been trying different kinds of pasta to decrease our simple carb intake. I really like quinoa pasta but my husband does not. Hopefully he likes this one more!
Christine Mayfield says
I am interested in trying spelt pasta because of all the health benefits.
joyce sanborn says
I would love to win and try spelt...
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Liked on Facebook and signed up for newsletter
Michaela Gunn says
i'm interested in trying spelt pasta because i am always looking for new and delicious ways to keep my family healthy.
Jill Andersen says
Would love to try this pasta! We hardly eat it anymore since switching to real food. Haven't found any we enjoy.
Angie says
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Angie says
We've used ww pasta for years now, but have never tried out spelt flour pasta...am curious how it stacks up against it!
Katie Burmaster says
I have slowly, over the past year, changed the diet of my whole family. What was once fast foods and processed foods is not fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I feel like using spelt would be a natural extension if out diets. We love to try new, healthy, while foods and adding new things to our diets.
Sara Guida says
I am on day 68 of eating healthy and taking care of my family. I was just introduced to spelt last week. I purchased spelt english muffins over the weekend and my kids loved them. I am very anxious to try the pasta. I have been using Brown Rice Pasta, my hubby is not so fond of the brown rice pasta. I hope to surprise him!
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Anne White says
I would love to try spelt. The nutrition and taste sound wonderful. Trying to live a healthier lifestyle and try new things.
Christle says
Hi I would like to try something that is healthier for my family without the grainy taste of whole wheat. I'm trying to make the transition but with me just having a baby I don't have the extra $ to spend right now.
Megan says
Spelt Pasta sounds really cool and a fun way to try something new for cooking!
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Ariel B says
I've always wanted to try spelt! Seems like a healthy alternative to white pasta.
Patti L. says
I have recently developed gluten intolerance and trying to find viable alternatives.
Jessica Trump says
My husband and I are trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle due to recent medical issues.
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