Homemade foods have gained immense popularity, spelt pasta emerges as a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional wheat pasta.
Spelt, an ancient grain known for its nutty flavor and high nutritional value, offers a wholesome twist to pasta-making.
This detailed article goes into homemade spelt pasta making, exploring its benefits, ingredients, and a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable dish from scratch.
What is Spelt?
Spelt (Triticum spelta) is an ancient grain that belongs to the wheat family. It has been cultivated for centuries in Europe and the Middle East.
Despite its close relationship with wheat, spelt has a distinct flavor and nutritional profile.
It’s known for its slightly nutty taste and a texture that can add depth to a variety of dishes.
Why Choose Spelt for Pasta?
It is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, spelt contains a different array of gluten proteins, which some individuals find easier to digest compared to modern wheat.
However, it’s important to note that spelt is not gluten-free and may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
First things first, you’ll need some spelt flour on hand. This ancient grain is going to be the star of our pasta show, bringing a lovely, nutty flavor that’s just unbeatable. And since we’re going vegan, we’re skipping eggs and keeping things plant-based.
What You’ll Need:
- Spelt flour – 2 cups should do the trick.
- Water – We’ll start with about half a cup and see how we go. Might need a bit more.
- Olive oil – Just a tablespoon for that silky richness.
- A pinch of salt – Because flavor is everything!
Let’s Make Vegan Homemade Spelt Pasta!
Grab a large bowl or just clear a nice spot on your countertop. Pour out your spelt flour and sprinkle that pinch of salt over it.
- make a little well in the center of your flour pile. Think of it as creating a mini volcano. Into that crater, you’re going to pour your tablespoon of olive oil and start with just half a cup of water.
- With a fork (or go full artisan and use your fingers), start swirling the oil and water into the flour, gradually pulling more flour into the mix.
- . Flour up your hands and start kneading that dough on your countertop. You’re aiming for smooth and elastic, kind of like a well-toned bicep. This might take about 8-10 minutes.
Once your dough feels smooth and you’ve named it something endearing, wrap it up or cover it with a damp cloth and let it take a quick nap for 30 minutes.
After its rest, wake your dough up gently and divide it into smaller chunks. This is where you can get creative. Roll it out with a rolling pin or use a pasta machine if you’re fancy.
Aim for thin but not see-through. Then, slice it into your favorite pasta shapes. Dream big – fettuccine, tagliatelle, whatever floats your boat.
Get a pot of salted water bubbling like a gentle hot spring. Gently drop your pasta in and let it dance in the water for 2-4 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so don’t wander off for a TikTok break.
Once your pasta is perfectly al dente (a fancy Italian way to say cooked but still firm), drain it and marvel at your creation.
Now, all that’s left is to pair it with your favorite vegan sauce or toppings. A simple tomato basil sauce, a drizzle of good olive oil and garlic, or a hearty veggie mix – it’s all up to you.
Equipment Needed
- Pasta maker or a rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or dough whisk
- Knife or pasta cutter
- Clean, dry surface for kneading and rolling out the dough
Vegan Homemade Spelt Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups of spelt flour (whole grain or white spelt flour, as per your preference)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water (start with less, add as needed)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: On a clean surface or in a large mixing bowl, pour the spelt flour and sprinkle the pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of your flour mixture. Start by adding olive oil and a small amount of water into the well.
- Incorporate the Ingredients: Using a fork or your fingers, slowly start to incorporate the flour with the olive oil and water. Gradually add more water as needed, mixing until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough starts coming together, use your hands to knead it on a clean surface. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more water. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be firm but not sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap or cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps the gluten in the spelt flour to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- Roll and Shape the Pasta: Divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll the dough to your desired thickness. Then, cut it into your chosen pasta shape, such as fettuccine or tagliatelle.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2-4 minutes, or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Drain the pasta and serve it with your favorite vegan sauce or toppings.
This vegan spelt pasta recipe maintains the nutty flavor and nutritional benefits of spelt flour, while accommodating a vegan diet. It’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy homemade pasta with the added health benefits of ancient grains.
I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.
