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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.
april says
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Molli says
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april says
I am interested because we have eliminated white flour and processed foods and are always looking for yummy new alternatives.
Molli says
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Molli says
Trying to eat healthier and would love to see how this pasta tastes.
super slim says
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Shanone says
I would like to try this because I have not enjoyed the taste of whole wheat pasta...but I really want to stop using regular pasta. I hope this will be a good alternative for me.
Amy S says
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Amy S says
I have tried spelt pasta and it is an excellent substitute for whole wheat. We make muffins with spelt flour and have had wonderful results. I would love to win the give away!
Michelle says
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Nicole Siebert says
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Michelle says
I would love to try the spelt pasta! I currently use whole wheat and think it would be a great way to change things up!
April Martinez says
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Emily says
We've never tried spelt, but we're looking for a good alternative that will make the transition from white pasta to whole grain easier!
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Nicole Siebert says
I would love to try this pasta! My husband and I are on week 3 of "clean eating" and it really hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. I love your emails and I ordered one of the dressing bottles this morning as soon as I saw your post!
April Martinez says
I have been looking for alternatives to wheat and spelt sounds like a good place to start!
Sara says
I've never tried spelt pasta - only cereal - and am always looking for new grains to mix things up a bit!
holly says
I am looking for healthier ways to enjoy my favorite pasta dishes.
kim kroll says
I am trying to start implementing only real foods into my diet and I would love to try your product
Linda says
One of the recipes you have posted is for a quick mac & cheese to substitute for Kraft Macaroni. We make that recipe for lunch frequently during the summer. I would like to see what changing to spelt pasta will do to the taste.
Leslie B. says
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Leslie B. says
I would like to try the whole grain spelt because I'm trying to put more whole grains in our diet that aren't necessarily wheat.
Thank you.
Emily Woodall says
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Emily Woodall says
I love the fact that it is higher in protein and less 'messed around with' than most available wheat. I would love to win!
Teressa Tomaiko says
I would like to try whole wheat spelt because I am attempting a low acidic diet, high alkaline diet for health and weight loss. Thanks for all for great recipes and information
Linda says
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Rachel Piper says
I like spelt pasta as an alternative to wheat pastas. Excited to give a recipe a try and have my 12 month old give it a taste!
Rachel P says
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Rachel says
My mother and sister both have digestive problems similar to IBS. I would love to try spelt with them to see if it is a good alternative for them!
Jeni says
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Jeni says
I have been wanting to try spelt pasta! Would be so excited to win this!
Sarah says
I am a fairly adventurous eater and I've never tried anything but wheat pasta. It would be exciting to try something else new. And I'm really not a fan of whole wheat pasta it's hard to adjust to. Spelt pasta would be interesting to try.
Chris Heuermann says
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