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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.
Amanda says
I've never tried Spelt pasta before, but I am looking for a healthier alternative to the regular stuff. I feel like pasta is a missed opportunity for something with more nutrients and vitamins.
Carolyne says
We are pasta addicts and trying lots of new forms of pasta but haven't tried spelt yet. I loved it in your pumpkin muffin recipe and also used it for the first time for cookies which turned out great! Definitely time for us to try the pasta now :)
kerrie says
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Megan says
I liked them on facebook
Mark says
I would like to try spelt to see what the difference is.
kerrie says
I have been intrigued by spelt in general. I have been trying more ancient grains and this one seems to be close to what my family is used to.
Heather says
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Megan says
I would love to move away from the typical pasta with highly processed flour. Spelt sounds like a great alternative!
Christina D says
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Christina D says
I'd like to try spelt pasta because I have baked with spelt flour before and really liked the taste and texture. I'd imagine spelt pasta would be equally delicious!
Anna says
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Heather says
I have never tried spelt before but would love to test it out.
Anna says
We are try to eat healthier and would like to try spelt pasta.
Casey says
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Casey says
Want to try something new for my family!
Angela Bennett says
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Debbie says
I have just discovered Spelt and am anxious to find different ways to use it :)
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Jodi Bowman says
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Karissa says
I usually head toward whole wheat pasta and have never tried spelt before so I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.
Angela Bennett says
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Jodi Bowman says
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Hannah says
I just bought some local "puffed spelt cereal" at the farmers market and my whole family likes it, I didn't know there was spelt pasta! Will have to try it!
Becky says
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Rachel says
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Jodi Bowman says
I am picky, and am trying to branch out and try new things!
Becky says
I love using spelt in my baking and would like to try it as a pasta too! :)
Rachel says
I'd love to try an alternative to Wheat, as variation is so important to keeping my family interested in REAL food.
Angela Bennett says
I have seen Vita-Spelt products but haven't tried them yet. I am very excited to hear using whole spelt results in lighter baked goods! We use whole wheat all the time but sometimes I wish my baked goods would come out a big lighter!
Alzbeta says
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Rachel says
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Alzbeta says
We have tried spelt a few times baking and LOVE the texture. I'd love to try it in pasta version... it would be great to mix up the whole wheat stuff we eat now (tasty, but sometimes gets old after awhile!)
Amy Herren says
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Jodi Monroy says
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Faith says
I would like to try the spelt pasta in order to add more fiber to my diet.
Amy Herren says
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Kim says
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Jodi Monroy says
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Amy Herren says
My family has been making some major changes in what we eat, drink and use. The one place I have not been able to win my family over has been with whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat bread was a tough one but they all enjoy it now, but they just won't budge on the pasta. So I'm excited to try the spelt pasta. I'm hoping that will change their minds.
Kim says
Anxious to try this! :)