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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.
Christine S says
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Christine S says
I'll try spelt to make my baked goods taste better...haha!
Laura says
I've had bread made with spelt before, but never pasta. My family has a hard time accepting whole wheat pasta (and I'll admit, me too!). I'd love to try the spelt to see if everyone will eat it more easily!
Jessi says
I just bought some some spelt pasta that I am looking forward to trying this week. I tend to digest spelt better than regular wheat and I have always loved the taste of spelt bread so it seemed natural that I would upgrade my pasta to spelt.
Phaedra Wilkinson says
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Phaedra Wilkinson says
I believe in having a variety in your diet... and spelt helps with that. I use their spelt flour often.
Diana says
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Diana says
I would like to try a healthy alternate food for pasta. Thanks.
Angie C. says
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Stacey W says
I'm always interested in trying new things.
Angie C. says
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Angie C. says
My kids love pasta and I would love another option I can feel good about giving them.
Mark says
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Mark says
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Mark says
Until getting your latest newsletter, I never knew people at spelt. I thought it was a major ingredient in bird food. Now, I'm intrigued!
I've got an 11yr old stepdaughter here with a rather touchy gut, though she's a good eater. We're big on teaching her to be a polite young lady. We all know that polite young ladies don't "fluff". And in her case, this is true - she doesn't "fluff". She completely rips ass!! (No other way to put it.) She sounds like the crudest, nastiest guy and is horrified each time. (Lucky for me she waits until she's home to do so.) She's a pasta fiend and I'd love to try spelt flour to see if that'll help the little one.
melody says
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Jenny Woods says
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Jenny Woods says
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Jenny Woods says
I'd love to try it because I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and I read that cutting out gluten will help. Hope it does!
LH says
I am always looking for healthy, tasty, filling foods to feed my family. We hardly use any White Flour, so having Spelt as a new addition to our White Wheat, Wheat and Oat Flour, sounds wonderful to me! Thanks for the recommendation - I am less afraid to try things when I get someone's thumbs up! :)
melody says
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Melissa K says
I would like to substitute this for my normal pasta in my spaghetti.
Melissa K says
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Melissa K says
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melody says
I would love to try spelt pasta as we've been making healthy changes and using whole wheat. I like that it has more protein!
Nathalie says
To taste new good food.
Vanessa says
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Vanessa says
I've begun using pastas other than semolina. Brown rice pasta is as far as we've gone. but, I'd love to add this to our home!
Melody Goodwin says
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Carol K says
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Melody Goodwin says
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Carol Kuchta says
Always happy to try new foods!
Kathryn @ Mamacado says
I never knew that spelt might be a possibility for my son (who may have a wheat intolerance). Would love to try it!
Melody Goodwin says
Just learning to eat whole foods & kick the processed foods so I need all the help I can get with recipes and what to eat! :) Thank you so much for this blog! LOVE IT!
Michele says
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Charity says
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Charity says
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Charity says
I would LOVE to try this pasta! My husband loves Italian food and has been picky about switching over to healthy whole foods. He's getting a lot better, but I've been meaning to switch to spelt for a lot of things, and this would be the perfect start!
Joan Williams says
I like baking with spelt flour so so am anxious to try the spelt pasta.
april says
newsletter.