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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.
Jodi Monroy says
I've tried spelt bread before and was very pleased with the texture and flavor. I'd like to try the pasta as well.
Amber says
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thuy says
Sounds like a good alternative pasta.
Amber says
My kids have not accepted whole wheat pastas, so I think we will give spelt pasta a try and see if they like it better. And if I can find the flour version I will try it in my next batch of bread.
Kelly says
I am excited about trying spelt. As a family we are newly trying to go whole grain, but whole wheat stuff still has that...taste...that is hard to get used to. I would love to try spelt!
Samantha says
I love using spelt flour in my baking! It definitely gives the finished product a more white flour consistency than whole wheat flour. My husband has started to complain about the whole wheat pasta I use, so winning this would be a great opportunity to give spelt pasta a try. Thanks for the great giveaway!!
Megan says
Sounds yummy. We haven't tried any spelt products other than spelt flour.
melissa says
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melissa says
I suffer with IBS and we have been looking for more options to try, and we love pasta. I would like to give it a try!!!
Adam Hunter says
HEALTHY EATING.
Samantha says
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Tara says
I have never tried spelt and love trying new things that are healthy. This would be a great way to start! I have tried many of your amazing recipes and you have never steered me wrong!
Susan Gryder says
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Susan Gryder says
I'm not crazy about whole wheat pasta and have been looking for an alternative. Can't wait to try this!
Beth says
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Jackie says
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Jenn says
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Jackie says
I've never tried spelt anything -- would love the chance!!
Daryn says
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Jenn says
I've used spelt flour before and love it. I'd love to try the pasta!
Tara says
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Cristina says
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Tara says
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emily c says
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Cristina says
I am interested in spelt pasta because I really don't like durum wheat pasta.
emily c says
I don't digest wheat well but spelt could be an alternative, plus who doesn't love pasta!
Lisa McGork says
I've never tried spelt and would love to start with pasta!
Daryn says
Looking for a healthy alternative to regular pasta!
laura says
and newsletter :)
Jenny says
Hi, I am really interested in learning more about this product because my husband and I are trying real hard to go ALL REAL with our food, but pasta is sooooo tough!! Please let us know where we can purchase these products! Thank you so much for this amazing blog, I read it all the time and use many of your recipes!! Our new go-to breakfasts are the whole wheat banana pancakes and granola recipes. Thank you as I am a BIG picky eater!!
Christina says
I am trying to cut out all white carbs, but since most people are turned off by the taste of whole grain pastas, it's difficult to prepare a pasta dish for friends and family that is both healthy and appetizing. I'm glad to hear the spelt pasta can be both!
LAura m says
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laura says
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LAura m says
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Elizabeth M says
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laura says
I am looking for some alternatives to the whole wheat pasta we can get in this area. They tend to be quite dense.
Elizabeth M says
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LAura m says
I am embarking on a clean eating, nutrition focused revolution! Would love to get to experiment with healthy pasta recipes!
Krista says
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Holly Hunter says
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