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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.
Chrissy says
Would love to try! Love anything spelt!
Sonja M says
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Sonja M says
My family doesn't always like the texture/taste of whole wheat. Looking for some alternatives.
steph says
id like to try spelt pasta because i love experimenting with foods!
Tammi Neuscheler says
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Tammi Neuscheler says
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Tammi Neuscheler says
I'm interested in all things real and love an opportunity to try something new and healthy for me and my family.
Katie B. says
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Katie B says
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Katie says
I'M Looking For An Alternative To Whole WHeat. My Kids Don't Always Like The Texture.
Carrie says
I love trying all of these recipes and meal ideas and have been excited to see how much my family loves it, too. I have never cooked spelt pasta and am looking forward to once again trying something new. :)
Heather Bee says
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Brooke E. Cockson says
Newsletter ; )
Heather Bee says
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Brooke E. Cockson says
Facebook!
Brooke E. Cockson says
I would love a healthy alternative to white pasta for my husband and daughter to enjoy! Wondering if spelt could be the magic grain! I love it myself!!
Nicole D says
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Heather Bee says
The more our family eats "real foods", the happier we are! I have been hearing more about spelt and am eager to try it. The less dependent we can be on one grain, the better for all. Plus I'm very intrigued by the "nutty" taste description! Thank you for the drawing!
Haylee says
I am interested because I am currently hooked on spelt pretzels so I figure i'd probably love spelt pasta as well. :) Thanks so much for the chance!
happy_haylee_3@hotmail(dot)com
Debra Cooper says
would love to try this!
Allyson H says
I recently discovered spelt tortillas and love them. But I have never seen other spelt products! Spelt pasta would be wonderful; my family would love to give it a try.
Nicole D says
I would love to try this, can't believe I'm just now finding out it is as easy to use as wheat flour in recipes and that it tastes great.
Kati Williams says
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Kati Williams says
We eat a lot of whole wheat, but I am interested in becoming less wheat-dependent.
Aimee Porter says
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Aimee Porter says
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Aimee Porter says
I am interested in trying spelt because it's not processed and I think my children would like it!
Jennifer says
I would love to try spelt pasta. :)
diana v says
I love to bake with whole wheat flour. I've never thought to try spelt. I only use whole wheat pasta, so trying spelt sounds pretty exciting to me. bring on the spelt....
Arlene says
I love to bake and have yet to try spelt. After reading this I will definitely give it a try!
Rachel Wilson says
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Rachel Wilson says
interested in trying because we want to continue eating "real food"
Michelle says
I am always interested in trying something new and good for you!
Leslie says
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Leslie says
I'm trying to find new and exciting ways to keep my little girl loving her whole, real foods!
Gill says
I love eating pasta and would certainly savor a pasta that is healthy, nourishing, and tasty.
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Thank you for offering this giveaway to your blog readers.
Megan says
newsletter :)
Laura Shadley says
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Laura Shadley says
I love trying new things. This pasta sounds great.
Debby says
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