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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.
Lisa says
I am new to the real food idea in order to keep my family healthy. I have 2 kids ages 3 and 1 and they have helped me to realize how important healthy, real food is. I'd love to try something new, especially to get my husband involved, he LOVES to bake! Thanks!
Crystal says
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Mel says
I would love to try some, as my family have intolerance's to several food. Now we have to cook 2 different types of pasta, would be great to try spelt to see if it suits everyone.
Crystal says
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Heather B. says
I have used spelt flour and would love to try out the pasta.
Carol (MCGC) says
A Nature's Legacy newsletter would be most welcome!
Jenn says
Newsletter please! ;)
Carrie says
I just started playing with spelt flour in baking, so far so good! Would love to try the pasta!
Carol (MCGC) says
Just visited the facebook page of Nature's Legacy and those bread recipes look so delicious! I just may get back into bread baking!
Laura says
I have never tried this before. Looks yummy!
dawn beebe says
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Megan M says
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Patty says
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jacquie says
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Patty says
I love whole wheat pasta and would enjoy trying another whole grain pasta!
Michelle says
Newsletter.
jacquie says
for all the facts you listed above.
Michelle says
I'm always looking for ways to sneak whole grans into our diet. Pasta seems like an easy sneak. :)
Tina says
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Carol (MCGC) says
Just read about this and I'm looking forward to trying whole-spelt pasta - and it cooks in just 5 minutes! Perfect for this working/busy grandma!
Becky says
My son has ADHD, and I'm trying to cook better foods.
Allison G says
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Crystal Watford says
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Tina says
I've been using spelt in everything lately, starting with your pumpkin spelt muffins. I love it!
Katie says
Trying to experiment with different grains and flours and stay healthy!
Kristy says
I enjoy whole grain pasta and would live to try this one out.
Jenn says
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Crystal Watford says
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Crystal Watford says
I would love to find an alternative white flour pasta that has a better texture than whole wheat!
susan boutote says
Hi! I start every day out with a spelt flour flatbread I make with a side of egg whites. The flatbread is my favorite part of the day. I love the taste of spelt flour and would love to try this pasta!!
Kristy says
I love trying out different flours in my baking. I'd live to give this one a try.
Meghan says
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Allison says
Facebook :)
Kelsey Davis says
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Meghan says
I would love to try Nature's Legacy sprouted spelt pasta! My husaband loves pasta, but we stay away from it because most brands are not what I would consider "real food". It would be wonderful to find a pasta that is truly beneficial to our health!
Karen says
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dawn beebe says
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Adrienne S. says
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Adrienne S. says
I am a pasta addict, and need to find healthier ways to enjoy my favorite pasta dishes.
cara striegold says
I love your Pumpkin Spelt Muffins but have never tried spelt pasta. I love the light, airy feel of spelt along with the slightly nutty flavor. I would love to try out other spelt products in the future.