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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.
Sally says
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Staci says
My youngest son was diagnosed with celiac disease. We don't want him to feel like he cannot eat the same things as the rest of the family so we are trying to incorporate gluten free products into our diets as well.
Sally says
I want to experiment with spelt to see if a family member might have a wheat allergy.
Shavonne Koegen says
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Amber says
Newsletter.
Shavonne Koegen says
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Shavonne Koegen says
I can't wait to introduce a new healthy/Real pasta dish to my family
Amber says
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Amber says
Spelt pasta is not one I see around me too often and I'm interested in trying more gf varieties.
Julie says
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amy skelton says
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Elissa W. says
Always looking for ways to make our eating more healthy!!
Julie says
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amy skelton says
I would love to try spelt pasta because I would like to try minimizing processed foods in my life.
crystal s. says
I am trying to eat healthier and ive never tried spelt.
suzanne says
newsletter! :-)
suzanne says
I'd love to try it since it's gluten free and I have fibro, which may benefit! Thanks!
Julie says
I am always looking for new grains to try. I have not tried spelt products and would love to try recipes using the spelt pasta to see the taste difference.
Caroline says
Facebook - hope to win it!
Caroline says
I've heard that using Spelt wheat is a great alternative for baking with as its light and not "wheat" tasting. Hope to get to try it!
Yvette Mucerino says
I would like to enter the sweepstakes for the free Spelt products. My nephew has autism and we are looking for healthy food choices
Kristen says
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Yvette Mucerino says
I am researching gluten free and whole grain based meal alternatives for my nephew who has Autism. I will be checking out the S
Ashley says
newsletter!
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Ashley says
I love baking with other flours and look forward to trying spelt! Thanks!
Kristen says
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Megan Faultner says
I would like to try it to taste the differences!
Carol says
I would LOVE these as a healthy option!! Thank you!
Melissa Rusch says
I love cooking with whole grain spelt flour...but I have never tried pasta! Sounds like fun!
Kristen says
I have a nine month old who seems to have problems digesting wheat. I have heard that spelt is easier to digest and I've been wanting to give it a try, but our local stores don't have the pasta. I have tried your pumpkin spelt muffins and they are my favorite! But I'm a sucker for pumpkin.... Also, my husband (and me to a degree) doesn't like the whole wheat pasta, I'm hoping that he'll like the spelt pasta more! I only wish I had some tonight, I just harvested a bumper crop of tomatoes and I'm making your veggie spaghetti sauce with them! Thanks for your blog and all the work you put into it, you have changed our lives for the better!
Saddie Marrero says
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Saddie Marrero says
We have been making healthier choices when going grocery shoping and I have heard great things about spelt pasta. Can't wait to try it!!! :)
Christine Van Heel says
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Christine Van Heel says
We are investigating wheat/gluten allergies in my son. At the same time, I am battling inflammation which is causing arthritis like symptoms in my joints. I'm re-learning how to cook for my family with new ingredients.
Deb says
We have tried many of your recipes and love them, even my picky eaters. It has really helped me move to a real foods diet without my family even realizing it. Chili Mac is now one of our favorite foods and I would love to try some spelt noodles to make it even more nutritious than the whole wheat or Barilla Plus Multigrain noodles I use currently. I'm also working on building my school lunch menus for the coming year as I have two more who I will need to pack lunch for and one of them is the most difficult eater so I've had your Pumpkin Spelt Muffins high on my list but just haven't made them yet.
Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says
We have recently made the change over to whole-grain/wheat pasta, but I have been worried about the impact on our digestive system. This would be a great alternative!
Beth says
I recently tried spelt bread and loved it!! I would love to replace my whole wheat pasta with spelt pasta.
Christine S says
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