Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of noodles? Our spelt noodles bring a wholesome twist to this beloved comfort food. Made from spelt flour, an ancient grain packed with nutrients, these noodles are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. They have a slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying chew that pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and toppings.
Spelt Noodles Recipe
Crafting homemade spelt noodles is a simple process that yields exceptional flavor and texture. We’ll guide you step-by-step to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spelt flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin or pasta machine
- Sharp knife or pasta cutter
- Large pot for boiling
- Strainer or colander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spelt flour and sea salt.
- Create a well in the center of the flour. Crack the eggs into the well, then add olive oil.
- Using a fork, begin to whisk the eggs, slowly incorporating the flour from the edges of the well until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add water in small amounts if the dough feels too dry.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for gluten development, ensuring soft and pliable noodles.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
- After resting, divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Roll out each portion on a floured surface or use a pasta machine to your desired thickness (around 1/16 inch for thin noodles).
- Dust the rolled dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cut the Noodles
- Use a sharp knife or pasta cutter to slice the dough into your preferred noodle shape—fettuccine, spaghetti, or ribbons.
- Lay the noodles onto a baking sheet dusted with flour to avoid sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Drop the noodles into the boiling water. Fresh spelt noodles cook quickly, in just 2–3 minutes, so keep an eye on them.
- Drain the noodles using a strainer and serve immediately with your choice of sauce or toppings.
Cooking Tips
- For richer flavor, use freshly milled spelt flour.
- Always flour surfaces and tools lightly to avoid sticking but don’t overdo it.
- Pair spelt noodles with bold, earthy sauces like mushroom ragù or a garlicky olive oil drizzle for the best taste experience.
Here’s a quick reference table for cooking and preparation times:
| Task | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Preparing the dough | 15 minutes |
| Kneading the dough | 8–10 minutes |
| Resting the dough | 30 minutes |
| Rolling and cutting | 20 minutes |
| Cooking the noodles | 2–3 minutes |
Ingredients
Here’s what we will need to prepare our homemade spelt noodles. These carefully selected ingredients ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- 2 cups of spelt flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons of water (as needed, to adjust the dough consistency)
Ingredient Notes
- Spelt flour: We recommend using whole spelt flour for its nutty flavor and nutritional benefits. Sift the flour if you prefer a smoother texture in your noodles.
- Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs for binding and richness. Ensure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Olive oil: Adds elasticity to the dough, making it easier to roll out.
- Water: Start with 2 tablespoons and add gradually to avoid overhydrating the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the noodles. You can use sea salt or kosher salt for better taste.
Quick Reference Table
Below is a simplified table with all the ingredients and their measurements for easy reference.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spelt flour | 2 cups | Extra flour for dusting |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Adds elasticity to the dough |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Water | 2-3 tablespoons | Adjust as needed for perfect texture |
Tools And Equipment
Preparing homemade spelt noodles requires a few essential tools to ensure ease and precision. Having the right items on hand will simplify the process and yield professional results. Here is a breakdown of the tools and their purposes:
Essential Tools
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining and kneading the spelt flour and egg mixture effectively.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately, ensuring the right dough consistency.
- Fork or Dough Whisk: Used for initially combining the wet and dry ingredients before kneading.
- Rolling Pin: Helps in rolling out the dough evenly to reach the desired thickness.
- Pastry Cutter or Sharp Knife: For cutting the rolled dough into noodle shapes. A pizza cutter works excellently as well.
- Clean Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough and prevent it from drying out during resting.
Optional but Recommended Tools
- Pasta Machine: If you’re aiming for uniformly thin noodles, a pasta machine can save time and effort.
- Pastry Board or Clean Countertop: Provides a non-stick surface for kneading and rolling the dough. Sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.
- Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing cooked noodles from boiling water.
- Colander: Used to drain the noodles after boiling.
- Kitchen Scale: For precise flour measurement, especially if you prefer weighing ingredients over using cups.
Quick Reference Table
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | Combines the dough ingredients. |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensures accurate ingredient measurements. |
| Fork/Dough Whisk | Mixes wet and dry ingredients before kneading. |
| Rolling Pin | Rolls dough evenly to desired thickness. |
| Pastry Cutter/Knife | Cuts dough into noodle shapes. |
| Kitchen Towel | Prevents dough from drying out. |
| Pasta Machine | Rolls and cuts noodles uniformly (optional). |
| Pastry Board/Countertop | Surface for kneading and rolling. |
| Slotted Spoon | Removes noodles from boiling water. |
| Colander | Drains noodles after cooking. |
| Kitchen Scale | Weighs ingredients for accuracy (optional). |
Directions
Making homemade spelt noodles is a rewarding process with just a few steps. Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft noodles with perfect texture and flavor.
Preparing The Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of spelt flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix together with a fork or whisk to evenly distribute the salt.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Crack 2 large eggs into the well and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Begin mixing the eggs and oil with a fork, gradually pulling in the flour from the sides of the well. The mixture will start to come together as a shaggy dough.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed (usually 2-3 tablespoons) to ensure the dough is neither too crumbly nor sticky. Adjust according to the humidity and freshness of your ingredients.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential to develop the gluten in the spelt flour.
- Wrap the kneaded dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.
Tip: If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a small amount of spelt flour as you knead, but avoid over-flouring to maintain its softness.
Rolling Out The Noodles
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 2-3 smaller portions to make it more manageable. Keep unused portions covered to prevent drying out.
- Lightly flour your workspace and the rolling pin. Take one portion of dough and begin rolling it out into a thin sheet, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. If using a pasta machine, start with the thickest setting and gradually move to a thinner setting.
- Rotate the dough occasionally while rolling to ensure even thickness and prevent sticking. Dust with a small amount of spelt flour if needed.
- The rolled-out dough should be thin but not translucent, as too thin noodles might break during cooking.
Pro Tip: A pasta machine can save time and help achieve a more uniform thickness for the noodles.
Cutting The Noodles
- Lightly flour the rolled-out dough to prevent sticking, then fold it loosely into a flat roll. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the roll into your desired noodle width:
- Wide noodles (e.g., pappardelle): 3/4 inch wide.
- Medium noodles (e.g., fettuccine): 1/4 inch wide.
- Thin noodles (e.g., tagliatelle): 1/8 inch wide.
| Noodle Type | Suggested Width |
|---|---|
| Wide Noodles (Pappardelle) | 3/4 inch |
| Medium Noodles (Fettuccine) | 1/4 inch |
| Thin Noodles (Tagliatelle) | 1/8 inch |
- Carefully unravel the cut noodles and toss them lightly with flour to keep them from clumping together.
- Transfer the noodles onto a clean surface or drying rack in small piles or loops. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking, or allow them to air-dry for longer if storing.
Tip: Uniformly cut noodles cook more evenly, enhancing their texture.
Cooking Spelt Noodles
Once we’ve prepared our homemade spelt noodles, it’s time to cook them to perfection. The cooking process enhances their slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture, making them a delightful base for any sauce or topping. Follow these steps to ensure your spelt noodles turn out just right every time.
Boiling The Noodles
- Bring Water to a Rolling Boil: Fill a large pot with at least 4 quarts of water per pound of noodles. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water for added flavor. The water should be at a vigorous boil before adding the noodles.
- Add the Spelt Noodles: Drop the uncooked spelt noodles into the boiling water. Stir immediately with a wooden spoon or tongs to prevent sticking.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Lower the heat slightly to maintain a steady boil without the bubbling becoming too aggressive. Spelt noodles generally cook faster than regular pasta due to their composition. Fresh noodles typically take about 2-4 minutes, while dried ones may require 5-7 minutes.
| Type of Noodles | Approx. Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Fresh Spelt Noodles | 2-4 minutes |
| Dried Spelt Noodles | 5-7 minutes |
- Avoid Overcooking: Since spelt noodles are more delicate, monitor them closely to keep their texture firm (al dente). Overcooking may result in mushy noodles.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the noodles, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water. The starchy water is perfect for emulsifying sauces and enhancing flavor.
- Drain the Noodles: Use a colander to drain the cooked noodles. Shake off the excess water but avoid rinsing them unless the recipe specifically calls for it. This helps retain their natural starch and flavor.
Checking Doneness
Taste Testing: The best way to check if your spelt noodles are done is by tasting them. Take a strand out of the boiling water, cool it slightly, and bite into it. The noodle should be tender with a slight bite in the center—commonly referred to as “al dente.”
Visual Cues: Cooked spelt noodles will slightly expand and change color to a lighter shade. Fresh noodles appear glossy and soft, while dried ones become pliable without feeling gummy.
“The Fork Test”: For long noodles, use a fork to twirl a small amount. If the strands wrap around smoothly without breaking, they’re cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Now that our homemade spelt noodles are ready, it’s time to elevate them with thoughtful pairings and flavorful accompaniments. These nutty, hearty noodles are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:
Classic Pairings
- Tomato-Based Sauces: Toss the noodles with a rich marinara, garlic-infused pomodoro, or spicy arrabbiata for a classic Italian flair. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parmesan for a finishing touch.
- Creamy Sauces: Pair with Alfredo, creamy mushroom, or a lemon-infused cream sauce. The nuttiness of the spelt noodles balances the richness beautifully.
Protein and Add-Ons
- Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu for a protein-packed bowl.
- Add seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a wholesome, nutrient-rich meal.
Simple & Fresh
- Drizzle the cooked spelt noodles with high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parmesan for a simple yet satisfying dish.
- Create a cold noodle salad by tossing with sesame oil, soy sauce, julienned veggies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Recommended Extras
To boost flavor and texture, consider adding the following toppings:
| Topping | Description | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Herbs | Basil, parsley, or cilantro | Bright and aromatic |
| Crumbled Cheese | Feta, goat cheese, or ricotta | Creamy and tangy |
| Toasted Nuts | Pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds | Crunchy and nutty |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Optional for spicy heat | Subtle warmth, enhances flavors |
Specialty Options
For a unique twist, try pairing the spelt noodles with:
- Pesto Sauces: Basil, spinach, or even arugula pesto works wonderfully with the earthy flavors of spelt.
- Asian-Inspired Broths: Serve in a miso or ginger-soy broth with bok choy, mushrooms, and scallions for a comforting noodle soup.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
Homemade spelt noodles are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient when prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re cooking for immediate use or planning meals for later, proper preparation and storage methods can ensure your noodles stay fresh and ready to go when needed. Let’s dive into some essential tips!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Rolling Dough in Advance:
- After kneading the spelt dough, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling. This helps save time on busy cooking days.
- Bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Cut Noodles Ahead of Time:
- Once the noodles are cut, dust them lightly with spelt flour to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the noodles in single layers on a floured baking sheet or clean kitchen towel.
- Drying Fresh Noodles:
- If you want to make fresh spelt noodles ahead, let them air-dry completely for 1–2 hours. This prevents clumping during storage.
Freezing Fresh Spelt Noodles
Fresh spelt noodles freeze wonderfully, maintaining their flavor and texture when handled properly. Here’s how we do it:
- Dust the cut noodles lightly with spelt flour.
- Coil or portion them into bundles, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- Place the bundles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until firm (about 1 hour).
- Transfer the frozen noodles into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the freezing date for tracking freshness.
- Freezer Shelf Life: Frozen spelt noodles can be stored for up to 3 months.
Storing Cooked Spelt Noodles
Cooked spelt noodles can also be stored, but timing is key to preserving their quality:
- Refrigeration: Let the cooked noodles cool completely, then toss them lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep sauce separate when storing for maximum flexibility.
- Freezing: While freezing cooked spelt noodles is possible, they’re best enjoyed freshly cooked or frozen uncooked. If freezing is necessary:
- Cool the noodles entirely, portion them into serving sizes, and store in freezer-safe bags or containers labeled with the date.
- When reheating, use a quick sauté or warm them directly in sauces.
Quick Reference Storage Table
| Storage Method | Preparation Steps | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh (unrolled dough) | Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate | Up to 24 hours | Bring to room temperature before use. |
| Fresh-cut noodles | Dust with flour; arrange in single layer | 1–2 days (fridge) | Allow to air-dry slightly before storing. |
| Frozen fresh noodles | Dust with flour; freeze in bundles | Up to 3 months | Freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to containers/bags. |
| Cooked (refrigerated) | Toss in olive oil; store in airtight | 3–4 days | Store noodles and sauce separately for best results. |
| Cooked (frozen) | Portion; store in freezer-safe bags | Up to 2 months | Best sautéed or reheated with sauce. |
Conclusion
Spelt noodles bring a wholesome, flavorful touch to any meal, combining nutrition with versatility. Whether you’re making them fresh or storing them for later, they offer endless possibilities for creative dishes. With the right tools, ingredients, and a bit of practice, crafting these noodles becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Let’s embrace the rich taste and health benefits of spelt flour in our kitchens and elevate our pasta dishes to a whole new level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are spelt noodles made of?
Spelt noodles are made from spelt flour, an ancient grain known for its rich, nutty flavor and nutritional benefits. The typical ingredients include spelt flour, eggs, olive oil, salt, and water.
Are spelt noodles healthier than traditional pasta?
Yes, spelt noodles are considered healthier due to higher fiber, protein, and mineral content. They are easier to digest and have a lower glycemic index compared to traditional pasta.
Can I make spelt noodles without a pasta machine?
Absolutely! You can roll the dough by hand using a rolling pin and cut it into your desired shapes with a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
How long should I knead the spelt noodle dough?
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes to develop gluten and achieve a smooth, elastic consistency. This step is crucial for perfect noodles.
How can I prevent spelt noodles from sticking?
Dust the noodles with spelt flour after cutting and cook them in plenty of boiling water. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent clumping.
How long does it take to cook spelt noodles?
Fresh spelt noodles typically cook in 2–4 minutes, while dried noodles may take 6–8 minutes. Test for doneness by tasting or checking the texture.
Can I store homemade spelt noodles?
Yes! Fresh noodles can be air-dried, refrigerated, or frozen. Cooked spelt noodles can be refrigerated for 3–5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
What sauces pair well with spelt noodles?
Spelt noodles pair well with tomato-based sauces, creamy sauces, pesto, olive oil, or light broths. They’re also great with grilled proteins or sautéed veggies.
Can I make spelt noodles gluten-free?
No, spelt contains gluten and may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. For gluten-free options, consider alternative flours like rice or almond flour.
What tools do I need to make homemade spelt noodles?
Essential tools include a mixing bowl, rolling pin, pastry cutter or knife, and measuring tools. Optional tools like a pasta machine can make the process easier.
Can I freeze fresh spelt noodle dough?
Yes, you can freeze freshly rolled and cut spelt noodles. Dust them lightly with flour, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month.
What toppings work best with spelt noodles?
Toppings like fresh herbs, crumbled cheese, toasted nuts, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest enhance the flavor. Add sauces or proteins for a complete meal.
How does spelt flour impact the flavor of noodles?
Spelt flour adds a subtle nuttiness and earthy flavor to the noodles, making them unique compared to regular wheat pasta.
Can I make spelt noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut the noodles in advance. Store them dried, refrigerated, or frozen until ready to cook.
What’s the benefit of using olive oil in spelt noodle dough?
Olive oil adds elasticity to the dough, making it easier to work with and resulting in smoother, silkier noodles.