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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.
Nikki says
I was recently diagnosed with IBS. Would love to give this a try!
kristin says
would love to try this for my GF brother-in-law.
Peggy says
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Alecia says
Would love to try spelt, I've been trying to find good wheat alternatives. Love the brown rice pasta and wold love to try the spelt pasta.
Annabelle Fallarme says
I'm always looking for new things to try and would love to learn to cook more healthy and delicious meals.
Peggy says
We are loving our experience with spelt elbow macarponi and can't wait to try more of their products!
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anna says
Always looking for healthy food choices.
Treva says
We have been using spelt for breads, but have not had a chance to taste spelt pasta. We'd like to try it!
debbie says
i love the spelt pumpkin muffin recipe you posted and was also surprised how much I liked spelt flour. I would love to try more spelt products.
Jenn weiner says
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AH says
Looking for alternatives for IBS.
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Jenn weiner says
Would love to try spelt! Would be great since we are trying to lower our wheat consumption. Thanks:)
Rachael says
My kids are pretty outgoing eaters- i would love to give them some more healthy options when it comes to food!
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Jill says
I'd be interested in trying spelt. Is it non-GMO?
Megan Summers says
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Nichole C says
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Megan Summers says
Trying to make the switch to real food!
Jeannine DiBart says
I have heard so much about spelt but have not tried it yet. Would love to give it a try!!
Heather says
I am always looking for healthy and tasty alternatives. Spelt seems like a good thing to try!
Cathy says
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I liked Nature's Legacy face book.
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Joani says
I'm very interested in spelt pasta because I feel like whole wheat pasta has a very strong flavor that I don't always enjoy and would love an alternative. :)
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Laura says
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Nichole C says
Spelt pasta would be great! Love wheat but sometimes it just doesn't give the dish the right taste. Would be a great baking alternative to try too. Thanks for the info, got to try it for sure now :)
Laura says
Because I'm always interested in trying new healthy items.
Cathy says
I have tried whole wheat products and didn't like them much so I look forward to trying Spelt.
pavithra says
I've never tried anything with spelt grain before...would love to try this pasta....i am sure my kid would love this as he is a big fan of cheesy pastas :)