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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.
Nicole Patteson says
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Jen says
I have tried to get my family to switch to whole wheat pasta and they just don't like it - while I love the taste and texture. If love to try spelt wand see if they can get on board with that instead
Lisa says
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Susan says
I am currently reworking many old and new favorite recipes to make them healthier and, if possible, lower in calories. I have enjoyed using quinoa as a substitute in pasta dishes, but spelt pasta would give me a dish that looks and FEELS the same as the original! Bonus
Lisa says
I have never heard of spelt pasta before, so I would like to try spelt pasta so I can have pasta more often!!
Dyanne says
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Irene says
My toddler and baby love pasta, but I'd like to make it a healthier meal, so I think spelt is the thing to try. Thanks!
Heather says
My body is not handling wheat well, and I have tried some spelt products, and my body is a bit happier, so would love to incorporate some more spelt into my diet.
Dyanne says
I would love to try spelt pasta since I find the whole wheat pastas to be a little too grainy and heavy for my tastes. I am trying to eat more real food.
Kim says
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Cassie S says
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Lori says
Would love to give this pasta a try!!
Gillian says
I love spelt bread. It's hasn't been messed with like other grains, tastes good, and my kids eat it. 'Nough said.
Cassie S says
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Cassie S says
My husband and I have been trying a lot of new whole foods lately. We would love to give spelt a try!
Kristie says
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Nicole Patteson says
I love spelt pretzels but wasn't sure about baking but am going to try more spelt especially if its milder than regular whole grain wheat.
katie says
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Kim says
I have been using spelt flour for about four months and love it. I have not tried the pasta products but would love to.
katie says
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Kristie says
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katie says
Hi Lisa! I am a LOYAL follower of your website and have printed out every recipe you have on your site and tried them all!! I love your recipes and have drastically changed my eating habits (and my b/f's!) due to your recommendation, recipes, wise words, and knowledge! THANK YOU for your determination to have better health and better quality of life! I am going to my favorite grocery store tonight to look for some spelt pasta/noodles and can't wait to try this new recipe. I would LOVE to try the brand you recommend but not very much is offered in VT/NH. Please enter me in the giveaway! Yours Truly, -Katie.
Kristie says
We are just learning how to get away from processed foods and would love to start experimenting with spelt for new and better options.
Allison says
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Anna says
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Allison says
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Tammy says
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Anna says
liked on facebook
Tammy says
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Melanie says
I have never tried spelt but I'm always open and excited to trying something new. Hope I win : )
Anna says
I have been debating about lowering our use of gluten because of my 2 year old complaining of tummy aches (already off dairy). She is a carb loving kid though and I am starting to branch out for alternatives.
Allison says
I've been trying a host of whole wheat pastas lately and am disappointed in a lot of them. I'm hoping spelt will be softer and more pasta like than the traditional whole wheat pastas.
Tammy says
I have been wanting to try spelt and I feel that the spelt noodles will be a great way to get started.
TeresaD says
I would love to have a higher protein flour as I learn to bake without whole wheat flour.
Becky says
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laaloo22 says
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laaloo22 says
I'm looking for foods to incorporated into a basically gluten-free diet. Would love to try spelt!
Theresa says
I'm not a fan of wheat pasta so I'm interested in trying something new.
Alecia says
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kristin says
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