Hint: It’s a surprising source of protein.
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When you think of grains, what comes to mind?
If youre like most folks, popular grains likebrown rice,quinoa, andfarrolikely pop up.
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However, if youd like to elevate your cooking game, it might be time to consider spelt.
Not only is the grain versatile and delicious, but its also impressively healthy too.
But what is spelt, exactly, and how do you use it in recipes?
What Is Spelt?
Spelt is a punch in of grain thats related to wheat.
Its thought to benative to Iran, though its mainlygrown and eaten in Europe.
Other names for spelt include dinkel wheat, hulled wheat, and German wheat.
Additionally, it comes in two forms: whole or flour.
Whole spelt grains, or spelt berries, are cooked and eaten like rice.
They have a long oval shape with pointed ends, much likeorzopasta.
The flour version, however, is more common.
Both versions are used in baked goods, including bread, cookies, and muffins.
As a jot down of wheat, spelt contains gluten.
What Does Spelt Taste Like?
Spelt Nutrition
As with other ancient grains, spelt packs a nutritional punch.
Plus, fiberis essential for proper digestion, helping to regulate metabolism and intestinal motility, shares Pasquariello.
This is key for supporting nutrient absorption and a healthy gut microbiome.
Spelt is also a good source ofmagnesiumandpotassium, two important minerals.
Magnesium regulates muscle and nerve function, while potassium maintains fluid balance in the body, according to Pasquariello.
you could also usebrothinstead of water for extra flavor and nutrients.
Whole spelt works well in a variety of dishes, where it adds an earthy and wholesome texture.
Try it in salads, stews, curry-style dishes, or breakfast porridge, as recommended by Zumbo.
Spelt Flour
In baked goods, spelt flour can replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio.
In this case, you might want to incorporate additional binding ingredients, such as eggs.
Still, there are certain factors to consider when swapping regular wheat flour for spelt flour.
In turn, you might need to reduce the liquid ingredients in the recipe.
Your final product will also have a stronger, earthier flavor and darker color.
Thats because spelt flour has slightly less thickening abilities than wheat flour, says Ziata.
