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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.
Kelsey Davis says
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Dianna Monahan says
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Jess says
I have never tried spelt! would love to try something new :)
Jenn says
I'm trying to teach my children to eat healthy and I'm loving the possibility of cooking with new foods and recipes!
Kelsey Davis says
My husband has IBS and we have yet to find the cause of it. He eats a lot of pasta and I have a hard time getting him to avoid it. I want a pasta that won't make him sick and that he'll still be able to enjoy.
Allison says
I would like to try spelt pasta becauuse it is more easily digestible and I am looking for new options to help with digestive problems.
Dianna Monahan says
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Dianna Monahan says
I am interested in trying all kinds of food. I especially like trying things I have not used before and sharing with my friends and family. Would love to try spelt !
Karen says
I have never tried spelt pasta. We enjoy quinoa pasta but were so turned off by brown rice pasta that we ended our search with quinoa pasta. Must try spelt after the great review from Lisa. Thanks!
dawn beebe says
I am new to the eating healthy i want my whole family to begin eating healthy and eating no processed (or very little processed)foods. My husband tried getting me to eat whole grain pastas and i would refuse because i said it would taste funny. One day when he cooked he switched to a whole wheat pasta and i loved it....so i would love to try this one to see the difference!
Susan C. says
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Kristi says
I've been wanting to try spelt flour for my bread and I'm always looking for a healthy pasta!
Jen says
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Dana Lark says
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Dawne says
I love the taste & my body can digest it without an problems!
Dana Lark says
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Dana Lark says
I am currently trying to reduce the amount of wheat in my diet, so this post came at a perfect time. I am eager to try other options like spelt pasta!
Amy says
It was mentioned that steering clear of wheat may help my son with his ear infections. We would love to try spelt pasta!
Susan C. says
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Kasha says
I've been trying different flours lately, spelt being one of them, to give my family variety. I would love to try spelt noodles!
Anne says
And their newsletter...THANKS!!!
Jen says
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Linda S says
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Liesel says
After some time searching for a solution to my tummy troubles (and this was after I'd started eating clean) I found out about high FODMAP foods. It's a long process to clearer understand which of the higher FODMAP foods have an effect on my personal situation ... But Spelt Bread has been one of my happy alternatives! (And it's half the calories of typical whole wheat breads!) I'm "in love" with spelt now and am anxious to use it more and more!
Susan C. says
I have IBD and want to try spelt to decrease traditional wheat in my diet and for baking. Thanks! Love your posts!
Anne says
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Linda S says
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Brittney G. says
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Linda S says
I love using spelt flour in baking, would like to try the pasta.
Brittney G. says
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Michaela Gunn says
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Brittney G. says
I have never tried spelt - but I love baking, and sometimes have difficulty getting whole wheat flour to work in my recipes, so I'd love to try spelt!
Jen says
I have only used spelt in cookies, which are delicious, but I think pasta would be a much better way to try it!
Michaela Gunn says
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Julie says
I'd like to try it in the Chimichurri recipe in the post. Sounds fantastic!
Shirley says
Looks good- cant wait to try this one!
Sarah M. says
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Kathleen Lane says
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Kathleen Lane says
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Kathleen Lane says
I would love to try spelt pasta. I have used the spelt flour and loved it. I have a slight intolerance to gluten and this sounds like a perfect solution for me.