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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.
Chris Heuermann says
I would love to try the spelt because I have issues with regular wheat...it gives me a raging headache and I feel like I've been drugged. So, I am always looking for replacements for things I like to cook like pasta. I also like the fact that this grain dates back to the good old days prior to GMO....which we all know is just plain yuck!
Traci says
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Amy R. says
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Amanda says
I am trying to get in the habit of cooking for healthy meals for my growing family of four, but being busy and balancing everything is a challenge!
Amy R. says
Would like to try it as a substitute for wheat.
Laura says
Would love to try spelt pasta due to gluten sensitivities. We typically use rice pasta but spelt would be a nice change of pace. Thank you.
Traci says
Sounds great! I would love to try it!
Diane says
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Nicole says
I've switched my pasta-loving family to whole wheat, but this sounds better still--I'd love to try it!
Diane says
My Family is going Healthy this summer and We Have chosen Your healthier Pasta. Kids Love it !!
They want it more and More !!
Thank you for making such a "Yummy !" Product.
Diane :D
ashley andrews says
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Heather Matthys says
I am interested in trying spelt because we have several in our family with gluten intolerance and are hoping to not give up our love of pasta.
Tara says
Looking for a healthier alternative to what is in most stores..this sounss great!
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Irene D. says
After reading about spelt I'm curious to try it. My family's made the switch to whole wheat. For most dishes, the whole wheat works out okay, but it would be nice to have a milder flavor while still being healthy.
ashley andrews says
Our family loves spelt pasta! Anything to get healthier foods in our body!
kim says
Can't wait to try the Chimichurri pasta recipe!
mary says
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I LOVE to cook and have always wanted to try these products.
Mary Ann V says
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Mary Ann V says
I just got back from the grocery where I noticed the spelt pasta for the first time. Looking forward to trying it!
Melissa J. says
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Teresa S. says
As I pack on weight around my middle I should really stay away from Gluten so finding other products that taste great would be very helpful. Would love to try this.
Heather T says
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jeanne marie robertson says
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jeanne marie robertson says
We live on pasta, however, i am trying to reduce/remove regular pasta out of our meals. I've heard great things about spelt. Wed love to switch permanently!
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Heather T says
I love this post! Anxious to try for my newly discovered wheat gluten intolerant child. In fact I just purchased two boxes yesterday! Would love to experiment with it more :-)
Amber says
I am super excited to give this pasta a try! My family has been trying very hard to eat real food and this is awesome!
Erin says
Love trying and using different grains. I think it is great to mix it up.so it isn't too much of one grain.
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