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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.
Debby says
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Debby says
Always looking for ways to incorporate whole, real foods that are easy to prepare for my family. I look forward to trying spelt!
Lacey says
My family has been clean eating for 6 months but have not tried spelt! I have learned so much, I feel great and this is just one more step in broadening our horizons!
Emily T. says
newletter. :)
Emily T. says
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Emily T. says
I am interested in trying spelt pasta because my husband really hates whole wheat pasta. I'm wondering if spelt pasta might appeal to him more.
Nika says
I would like for my son to try spelt- hopefully he will like it better than other types of pasta!
Susan says
Would love to try this instead of whole wheat pasta for my husband with IBS!
Mary says
I am intersted in trying spelt because I am curious. I have heard of it, but never tasted it.
Julie says
Having problems with my gut- trying to get rid of wheat in , my diet.
Nina says
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RommaZ says
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Nina says
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Nina says
I am unable to eat wheat but I am able to eat spelt. I miss whole wheat pasta and would love to try the spelt pasta as an alternative.
RommaZ says
I remember hearing about spelt but have never tried it.
Denise F. says
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Stephanie says
I am always looking for healthier alternatives for the foods we enjoy. Whole wheat spelt pasta sounds like an item that would be a good staple to have for meals and I look forward to trying it.
Thanks!
Denise says
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Denise says
Trying to adapt a healthier lifestyle for my family and would love to try spelt pasta!
Chantal O. says
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Chantal O. says
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Chantal O. says
I'm new to spelt and would love to try this pasta! I love the higher nutrition profile to wheat pasta.
Dawn says
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Dawn says
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Sarah J. says
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Dawn says
I can’t wait to introduce a new healthy/Real pasta dish to my family
Sarah J. says
I would love to try Spelt pasta because I've just started my journey to a healthier lifestyle and I can't think of a better way to do it!
Brooke H. says
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Brooke H. says
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Brooke H. says
As of August 1st my husband and I are starting a 2 day cleanse followed by the 100 day challenge. We are celebrating our five year anniversary and my 30th birthday this way, plus the addition of our twins to our family of three already :) We are looking to get healthier for ourselves and our family. With feeding five mouths (plus two in diapers)it does get pricey especially when you knock out all that is processed and try to go organic. Winning the grand prize would help us along our "journey of 100 days and health"!!!
barbara n says
I have been looking for high fiber and whole grain foods to help lower my LDL cholesterol
Yvette Mucerino says
Would love to enter the contest to win Spelt products. My nephew is autistic and we are trying healthier foods for him
Melissa D. says
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Melissa D. says
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Melissa D. says
I would love to try the spelt pasta because pasta is my absolute favorite food (I could eat it three times a day and not get tired of it) and I would like to try any healthier versions of my favorite food that I can!
Sally says
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liz says
Like using spelt pasta for variety - also love to bake with spelt flour especially sprouted spelt
Jennifer Robinson says
Newsletter please
Jennifer Robinson says
Facebook :-)
Jennifer Robinson says
I just found out my sister is gluten intolerant so your newsletter was perfect timing! Looking forward to trying spelt :-)