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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.
Lora Galloway says
Being a mom to a picky eater , Im always interested in ways to get something good for you into the mix , and that, by know means is easy when everything is "its yuck mom " lol
Lori B. says
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Lori B. says
Being Italian, I am picky about how my pasta tastes. Whole wheat pasta has too strong a flavor for light sauces. Would love to try something else! :)
LaDena says
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Bridgid Nichols says
I am really excited to try this pasta and spelt flour too. I have tummy issues as does my family. Always looking for things that help :)
LaDena says
I am all for trying new healthy foods, especially if it can make my baked goods healthier :)
mary says
Looking for food options that are not so processed or are less processed.
Kristi Adelsberger says
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Andrea T. says
I am interested in trying new foods that can replace what we already eat.
Kristi Adelsberger says
I suffered from IBS a couple years ago and started using spelt then. I would love to try it in pasta!
Ellen S. says
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Karen says
My son loves plain pasta. He could eat it every day. This would be a nice healthy version.
M. Baysinger says
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Lori Conway says
Would like to try alternatives to modern day flour! Would like to try baking with it.
M. Baysinger says
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Ellen S. says
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M. Baysinger says
I have never tried it before, and would love to add it to our pasta choices for our family!
Ellen S. says
I am a real true fan of Real Eating and have seen real changes in health since I began my journey several years ago. I have not tried spelt, but after reading your article and seeing that it has a low glycemic index, I am excited to try it, especially as a whole grain pasta.
Blair Brumenschenkel says
I am in my fifties & started working out at my son's Crossfit gym in Port Orange, Florida recently. I know how important good nutrition is to my workouts and as a Crossfit community we love to share new finds!
Maggie says
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Deb says
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Joy Geek says
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Lisa says
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Lisa says
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Deb says
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Joy Geek says
Would like to try something healthier than
"regular pasta" and still tastes good!
Christina King says
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Been wanting to try some spelt products and would love to win a sample box!! :)
Maggie says
I enjoy baking with spelt flour but I've never tried spelt pasta... sounds great!!
Renee says
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Deb says
Love pasta would love to incorporate healthier ways of eating into my diet
Jayna Harris says
I want to try spelt bc wheat does not digest well in my body
Renee says
I would love to win this as I am trying to convert my family to 'Real Food' having just moved from back to the US from the UK and I have found that they US has a massive chemical issue with foods. I have IBS and PCOS and asthma and my two daughters have asthma. I beleive in real food and using spelt but my husband needs convincing due to cost, etc. He is hard to convince, but has come around to a great deal of it, especially for our children, and if I could win some spelt pasta and other spelt items and show him it's yummy goodness and how it DOESN'T make me feel terrible I think we will have another spelt lover.
Heather Schmitt says
Newsletter! :)
Heather Schmitt says
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Heather Schmitt says
I am dying to try spelt as a healthy alternative to wheat. I just don't like how wheat makes me feel--all bloated and puffy-like! :)
Crystal says
I am always looking for healthy, real food, options for my family and I would love to try whole spelt pasta. :)
Julianne says
Facebook. - I didn't realize they were in E Lansing. How neat that they are local (to me)!
Francie says
I like trying new things and I'd like to experiment with something other than whole wheat.
Mel says
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Julianne says
I love pasta - but don't always have time to make it from scratch, and we're trying to get away from eating so many refined foods (such as white flour).