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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.
Lauren says
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Lauren says
I am very intrested in trying this. We have recently switched to all whole foods and just moved where thankfully we have an earth fare to shop at :) I have hypothyroidism and have researched how wheat may aggrivate the thyroid so I am limiting wheat, which can be hard when just starting a whole foods lifestyle.
Jenna says
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Jenna says
Since my mom in now gluten free due to an intolerance, I would love to try new recipes with spelt so she can enjoy the recipes with flour that age misses so much.
Liz says
This would be so great to win!!!
Laura says
I bake with spelt all the time, but still use regular wheat pasta from the store. I'd love to use spelt pasta in all of my pasta dishes, as it would most likely help with the congestion I get when I eat wheat pasta.
Evangeline says
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Evangeline says
Spelt sounds like a super food!!! I would love to experiment with recipes to make healthy meals for my mom and dad. Hope I can try it.
Andrea Francoeur says
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Andrea Francoeur says
I'd love to try Spelt Pasta...looks delicious!
Emily says
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Kylie K says
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Raychel S. says
I love trying new products, full of great nutrition, for my self and my family. This looks like a far superior product than what my local supermarket carries, and Whole Foods is a 40 minute drive, each way!
Kylie K says
My Son loves pasta.. I like to mix it up a bit.. whole wheat, rice pasta... so I'd LOVE to try spelt pasta!
Julie says
I've tried spelt flour before in breads. I'd love to try the pasta. We eat a lot of pasta around here.
Paula says
I love spelt flour but haven't tried the pasta yet. It is on my "food to do" list
Emily says
In the process of learning to eat "real food" and enjoying the outcome. I have read quite a bit of positive comments about spelt and the milder taste as compared to wheat. Mostly interested in trying something new.
sarah west says
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Becka says
Sounds like a great alternative to wheat - I'm always open to trying something new that sounds healthy AND yummy. Especially considering my pasta addiction... ;-)
sarah west says
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sarah west says
Would love to see how this texture compares to wheat pasta, and if my kids like it!
Jess says
I'd love to try spelt not only for the health benefits for me, but mostly for my boyfriend who has IBS.
Ilse Berg says
I would love to try these spelt products. I discovered via an elimination diet that I have a mild wheat allergy, but have not seen the same reaction to spelt or rye.
liz says
time to try something new.
Breen says
I've started to suspect that I'm having gluten problems. I'd love to try this - not to mention the chance of getting something free!
Lacey Aronin says
My husband LOVES pasta and I love making things healthy!
Shari says
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Cami says
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Cami says
Like on facebook!
Cami says
I have a family history of wheat/gluten sensitivity and would love to give spelt a try. Thanks!
Shari says
I love trying new-to-me foods, and I've never had spelt pasta, so I'd love to win and get to see what it's like! :)
Elizabeth V. says
I'd love to try this product! We're working hard to avoid genetically modified organisms in our food, and most commercially available pastas are dubious, at best. We'll probably try this even if we don't win!
Jen says
My husband recently started the "Maker's Diet" and spelt is one of the flours the Author recommends! I've never seem spelt pasta in the stores before so it would be interesting to try :)
Kit says
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