Spelt

Spelt porridge with mushrooms is a cozy and nutritious dish that combines the richness of ancient traditions with a modern gastronomic approach. Spelt, known since antiquity, has a rich nutty flavor and remains soft yet firm after cooking. The white mushrooms, infused with the aroma of the forest, add depth and richness to the porridge, while the champignons provide a delicate texture. Tofu cream makes the dish velvety and harmonious, enveloping each grain in warmth. This porridge is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a leisurely lunch; it can be served as a standalone dish complemented by fresh herbs. The taste of this porridge is a balance of earthy, creamy, and nutty notes that creates a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

Lean soup with spelt and beans is a true find for lovers of Italian cuisine and healthy eating. Spelt, one of the oldest grains, gives the soup a rich flavor with nutty notes, while beans add a tender texture and make the dish hearty. Bright vegetables, aromatic garlic, and herbs create a harmony of flavors, while tomatoes in their own juice add a slight tanginess. This soup is perfect for fasting or vegetarian diets, warming you on cool days and satisfying without heaviness. It is served hot, often with crispy bread that complements its taste perfectly. Historically, dishes with spelt were popular in Italy among peasants due to its high nutritional value and ease of preparation. Today it is making a comeback on the tables of gourmets who appreciate its health benefits and unique flavor.

A lean salad of spelt with apple and red cabbage is a harmonious combination of ancient grain and fresh vegetables that gives the dish a rich and deep flavor. Spelt, known since ancient times, is a source of beneficial nutrients and has a light nutty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of apples, the tartness of dates, and the freshness of arugula. Crunchy red cabbage adds textural variety, while a spicy dressing made from mustard, vinegar, and honey ties all the ingredients into a unified flavor palette. Walnuts add richness and a slight crunch. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, delighting not only with its taste but also with its aesthetic presentation. Vegetarian and nutritious, it brings joy to anyone who appreciates healthy and balanced food.

Spelt with sauerkraut is an ancient Russian dish infused with the spirit of traditions. Spelt, one of the oldest cereal crops, is known for its nutty flavor and dense texture. Combined with sour cabbage brine and juicy sauerkraut, it gains richness and piquancy. This simple yet surprisingly harmonious dish was popular among peasants as it is nutritious, healthy, and warms on cold days. The acidity of the cabbage highlights the sweet taste of the grain, creating a balance of flavors that is especially good during fasting days. It can be served as a standalone dish or as a side to meat, adding herbs and spices for extra aroma.

Spelt risotto with chicken hearts is an unusual blend of traditional Italian cuisine with the delicate taste of offal. Spelt, an ancient grain, adds a nutty note to the dish, while the hearts provide a rich, intense flavor. Italians appreciate risotto for its creamy texture achieved by gradually adding broth. White wine adds a slight acidity, and parmesan completes the harmony of flavors. This dish is especially suitable for a cozy dinner when one desires warming yet refined food. Serving it with a sprig of thyme adds aromatic notes and makes the presentation elegant. Spelt risotto with hearts exemplifies how culinary traditions can intersect to create new gastronomic discoveries.

The recipe was shared with us by brand chef Gayane Breiova, Gayane's restaurant.

The recipe was shared with us by Gayane Breiova, brand chef from the restaurant Gayane's.

The recipe is taken from the book by A. Piruzyan "Armenian Culinary Arts" (1960).

The recipe is taken from the book by A. Piruzyan "Armenian Culinary" (1960).

The recipe was shared by Ruslan Polyakov, chef of the Gentle cafe, Remy Kitchen Bakery and Pino restaurants.

Spelt is an ancient wheat variety that was once supplanted by other, more productive varieties. Today, thanks to Rene Redzepi and the Nordic cuisine in general, interest in spelt is greater than ever: this primitive coarse grain is much richer in vitamins than selected wheat grain. The salad, the recipe for which was shared with us by Ekaterina Maslova, a friend of the editors and an experienced vegan, looks colorful - it mixes baked red pumpkin cubes, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts. But it is the neutral, yet deep, chestnut-tinged taste of spelt that brings all the motley chaos on the plate to a common denominator.

Recipe from Vlad Piskunov, chef of the Matryoshka restaurant.

Pie with spelt and chicken offal is a unique dish of European cuisine that combines rich flavors and the tradition of rustic baking. Spelt, one of the oldest cereal crops, gives the filling a nutty flavor and delicate texture. Chicken offal sautéed with onions, mushrooms, and tomato sauce creates a rich, deep taste with pleasant spicy notes. Cheese and herbs add softness and freshness to the pie. The perfectly crispy dough made with butter makes it especially appetizing. This pie is great for a cozy family dinner or festive table, revealing the rich palette of flavors and aromas of traditional European cuisine.

Chicken with spelt is a refined dish of European cuisine that combines the tenderness of meat with the nutty aroma of an ancient grain. Spelt, known since ancient times, adds richness and depth to the meal. Marinated in olive oil and aromatic spices, the chicken is fried to a golden crust and then baked with potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and shallots, enriching the dish with complex notes of spices and caramelized vegetables. The spelt is cooked separately to achieve a perfect texture where each grain gently unfolds on the tongue. This dish not only delights with gastronomic splendor but also serves as a healthy choice due to its richness in vitamins and fiber. It is perfect for both a cozy family dinner and a festive table, offering harmony of flavors and traditions.

Spelt with crab is an exquisite dish of Arab cuisine that combines the rich flavor of seafood and the delicate texture of ancient grain. Spelt, with its light nutty taste, pairs wonderfully with the juicy meat of crab, while the fish broth enriched with aromatic vegetables and tomato paste adds depth to the flavor. The dish is prepared slowly, allowing each ingredient to fully unfold. Cream and melted cheese give the dish softness and a creamy texture, while fresh tomatoes and radishes add a hint of freshness. Spelt with crab is not just food; it's a true culinary journey that immerses you in the atmosphere of Eastern markets and Mediterranean shores.