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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.
Kit says
I'm excited to give Spelt a try in my recipes and would love to experience the health benefits it offers.
Sue P says
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Sue P says
I love trying new things--plus spelt is so expensive here, winning would be a great way to try! :)
Jennifer says
I use brown rice noodles and I'm always open to other whole grain alternatives.
Natalie says
I'd love to try spelt pasta because I'm trying to eat less wheat. :)
Dyanne says
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Jennifer H says
We have used while wheat for several years and would love to have an alternative
Aubrea says
I love trying new things! Thanks!
Denise says
I would love to try this spelt pasta...
Suzie says
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Suzie says
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Suzie says
My husband isn't a fan of whole wheat pasta so spelt would be a great alternative for him to try!
Mark says
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Katie R. says
I've never even heard of spelt and I love the idea of trying new way to incorporate un-altered foods!! YES PLEASE!
Amanda V says
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Amanda V says
I'm excited to try a pasta that might not taste a tough as whole wheat!
Janelle Duryea-Lojko says
Love all the health benefits!
Beth says
I have been wanting to branch out to other grains, this would be a great way to give spelt a try!
Sara E says
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Sara E says
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Roxanne says
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Roxanne says
I have been making your pumpkin muffins with wheat, but now I really want to try the spelt!
Sara E says
I would love to try spelt pasta! I am trying to get my whole family into healthier eating. :-)
Victoria says
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Victoria says
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Kerri says
Would love to try this spelt pasta for the first time!
Victoria says
I have been really working on incorporating healthier food substitutes into both my and my husbands diets. We are newlyweds who plan on starting a family within the next year and I want to be able to raise my children in a home where we offer nothing but real/whole foods so that they are able to reap the benefits of not having to eat the processed foods that everyone it targeted with. Plus, WE LOVE PASTA dishes, so this would be a great substitute!
Ti Wohlt says
We are eating only healthier grains! It would be nice to welcome pasta back!
Cathy says
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April says
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Cathy says
I would love to try something new!
Chasity says
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Chasity says
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April says
Started giving my boys spelt bread for sandwiches! They love pasta and we would all love to try it.
Sara says
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Chasity says
Interested in expanding our family's healthy pallet! :)
Sara says
I would love to try spelt pasta...I never heard of it before I read your blog post. My husband loves pasta dishes and my daughter needs to eat gluten free, so this looks like it would be a great thing to try!
Nicole Patteson says
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Lsa says
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Julianna says
I would like to try spelt pasta because I have been a fan of the spelt breads for a while, but never knew they made it into pasta as well. So I am interested for the sake of being curious and always trying to find new foods.