A variety of spelt flour recipes

I recently bought spelt flour after hearing it was a healthier option. So lets dive into a little abut spelt flour and some recipes that you can make with it.

Spelt flour is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a nutritious alternative to modern wheat. It has a mildly nutty and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for baking bread, pancakes, muffins, and even pasta. Unlike refined white flour, spelt flour retains more of its natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

It contains gluten, but in a more delicate form, which some people find easier to digest compared to regular wheat flour. Because of its higher water solubility, spelt flour can result in lighter, more tender baked goods while still providing a rich, wholesome taste.

When substituting spelt flour in recipes, it’s important to note that it absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour, so adjustments may be needed to prevent dry or crumbly textures. Whole spelt flour provides more fiber and nutrients, while white spelt flour is a finer version with the bran removed, making it closer to all-purpose flour in texture. Spelt can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, offering versatility in the kitchen.

It works particularly well in rustic breads, cookies, and pasta dough, where its slightly nutty flavor enhances the overall taste. Whether used alone or blended with other flours, spelt flour is a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that brings a wholesome touch to many recipes.

Here are some delicious and versatile recipes using spelt flour.

1. Spelt Flour Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spelt flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp melted butter or oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk spelt flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with syrup or fruit.

2. Spelt Flour Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups spelt flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine spelt flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm water, olive oil, and honey, mixing to form a dough.
3. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before slicing.

3. Spelt Flour Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups spelt flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix spelt flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, then fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

4. Spelt Flour Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups spelt flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix spelt flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out the dough, add toppings, and bake for 12-15 minutes.

5. Spelt Flour Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups spelt flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix spelt flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, honey, oil, egg, and vanilla.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool before slicing.

6. Spelt Flour Tortillas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spelt flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2/3 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix spelt flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until dough forms.
3. Knead for 5 minutes, then divide into 8 balls.
4. Roll each ball into a thin circle. Cook in a hot, dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

7. Spelt Flour Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups spelt flour
• 1/2 cup sugar or honey
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk or yogurt
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup berries, nuts, or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix spelt flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, oil, egg, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in berries, nuts, or chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes.