Everyone has heard of, and probably tried, risotto made with rice, but what about Speltotto made with spelt? I'd never tried spelt until Sharpham Park sent me some goodies to try out last year, but it's something we eat quite regularly now because it makes a lovely change from rice or pasta. I have a variety of their spelt-based breakfast cereals that I will be reviewing shortly but on the menu last week was their Courgette, Garlic & Thyme Speltotto.
I've just been to look on their website and they have given their packaging a very funky Union Jack-themed overhaul, that really puts the emphasis on the fact that it is British spelt.
This is what you get inside the pack. I love the fact that you can see all the wholegrains - you can see that it's bursting with fibre. The website explains that it is made using "the finest Organic British Pearled Spelt mixed with dried ingredients" - there are several varieties available, including Wild Mushroom, Pumpkin & Shallot and Tomato & Chilli.
It's very simple to prepare. Just add boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed, then stir in a knob of butter.
I served ours as an accompaniment to our Pear and Goat's Cheese Stuffed Homemade Burgers and ratatouille - Sophie excitedly pointed out that she had a heart-shaped meal, which was a total fluke and something that I wouldn't be able to recreate however hard I tried ! - but if you threw some pieces of chorizo or cooked bacon in with it and served it with a salad, you'd have a complete meal.
I love the slightly nutty flavour and the fact that it doesn't stick together or turn to mush if you have to leave it cooking for slightly longer than planned, as rice would. The Madhouse Mini-testers did find it a bit too "hard" for their liking, but the grown-ups loved it.
It's really filling and is packed with fibre so is actually a very healthy option. The Sharpham Park website points out a whole host of reasons to integrate spelt into your diet - it's easily digestible for people with a wheat intolerance, it's high in protein, has a low Glycaemic Index (good for weightloss) and contains high levels of complex B vitamins, iron, niacin (can help reduce cholesterol), riboflavin (good for migraine sufferers) and zinc.
star rating : 4.5/5
RRP : £3.99 for 225g
for more information : http://www.sharphampark.com
Disclosure : I received a selection of Sharpham Park products in order to write an honest review.
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This sounds like a good idea!
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