Is Kamut® Gluten Free?

By: Bob's Red Mill | April 6 2019
Kamut® (pronounced ka-moot), also known as khorasan wheat, is a high energy and high nutrient ancient grain. It has a rich and buttery flavor and is believed to be easily digested. It’s firm in texture and is known as an heirloom grain that can be added to everything from pilafs to cold salads. Kamut® grain is an ancient relative of common wheat that was recently rediscovered by modern-day farmers. As the Bob’s Red Mill team likes to say, the history of this ancient grain is a bit mysterious. Some say that Noah brought Kamut® kernels with him on the ark (which is why they’re often referred to as Prophet’s Wheat). Some call Kamut® grain King Tut’s Wheat, as it was said to be found in the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh. Whatever its origins may be, Kamut® wheat is nutritious, delicious and versatile! As a crop, Kamut® produces high-quality wheat without the need for pesticides and artificial fertilizers. It’s similar to bulgur wheat but with more vitamins, minerals and proteins. Let’s take a deeper dive into this ancient grain with our complete guide and see how you can start incorporating it into a healthy lifestyle today. Whether you’re making muffins with it or crafting the perfect risotto, this is a grain that’s sure to become a pantry staple for years to come.

Is Kamut® Gluten Free?

You may find yourself wondering if is Kamut® gluten free, and the short answer is no. It’s not suggested as an alternative grain for those following a gluten free diet, as it is a relative of durum wheat. This means that it contains wheat and gluten. So if you’re following a gluten free diet or have celiac disease, it’s best to steer clear of Kamut®. Luckily, there are plenty of other gluten free alternatives like amaranth and teff.

5 Big Health Benefits of Kamut®

When it comes to Kamut®, benefits are wide and varied. From helping to detox to balancing hormones, here are 5 big reasons to start integrating this ancient grain into your diet today.

It’s High in Nutrients

Kamut® contains protein, fiber, zinc and magnesium. Protein helps to maintain strong tissue and a strong immune system. Fiber aids in digestive health and helps to lower cholesterol. Magnesium strengthens bone tissue and zinc promotes healthy function of the thyroid. Because of Kamut®’s unique and diverse nutritional balance, incorporating it into your diet may help you feel good from the inside out!

It Aids in Digestion

Kamut® is high in fiber, which helps for smooth function of your digestive system. Not only will Kamut® fill you up but it will help your body to solidify its waste and will get those toxins passed through the body. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Kamut® Berries Our Organic Kamut® Berries are plump and pleasantly chewy in texture. Its quintessential rich and buttery flavor is excellent for soups, salads and casseroles. We love drizzling ours with olive oil, herbs and spices, for a tasty meal or side dish. Like the back of our Kamut® berry bag says, for basic stovetop cooking, start with 1 cup Organic Kamut® Berries, 3 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Soak the berries in water overnight, then drain. Bring 3 cups of water or stock to a boil in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add the grains. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Drain off excess liquid, use for your creation and enjoy! You can also try our Organic Kamut® Flour and Organic Kamut® Cereal for more fun recipe variations.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Kamut®

  • Add Kamut® to soups, salads, stews and stir-fries.
  • Create a Kamut® side dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
  • Try it for breakfast. Add fresh berries, chopped nuts and a drizzle of raw honey or pure maple syrup to make a Kamut® breakfast bowl.
  • Enjoy it plain with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and black pepper alongside the protein of your choice.
  • Use Kamut® flour for things like chocolate chip cookies, muffins and bread.

Bob Introduces Kamut®

For a brief backstory about Kamut® from Bob himself, make sure to take a peek at this video. Sounds like the base for a delicious mushroom Kamut® risotto! In fact, this Kamut® Grain and Shiitake Risotto with Thyme is the perfect non-traditional risotto to try. It combines chewy Kamut® with earthy mushrooms and cheese. Gather up the ingredients—olive oil, onion, fresh thyme, white wine, dried mushrooms, vegetable stock, shiitake mushrooms, parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, chopped fresh parsley and Kamut® berries—and make this yummy dish tonight.

Red Bean and Kamut® Soup

One of our favorite Kamut® recipes, this Red Bean and Kamut® Soup is both flavorful and comforting. It’s a recipe from Diana K. Rice, RD, a registered dietitian and the recipe editor for The Monday Campaigns. It’s perfect for a somewhat chilly night and makes an excellent choice for Meatless Monday. Ingredients 1 cup Organic Kamut®® Berries 1 medium Onion diced 3 cloves Garlic minced 6 cups vegetable stock 1 1/2 cups Tomato Puree Two 15 oz cans Red Beans 2 Tbsp Chili Powder 2 tsp dried Thyme 1/2 tsp Cayenne 3 Bay Leaves Salt to taste (consider salt content of vegetable stock) Instructions Soak Kamut® in water overnight. Before cooking, drain and discard soaking water. In a large stockpot or dutch oven, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more. Add soaked Kamut® and remaining ingredients. Mix well, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 40 minutes to one hour, until Kamut® has cooked and flavors are combined. Remove bay leaves and serve. Whether you’re using Kamut® in pasta salads or chocolate chip cookies, we hope this guide has inspired you to explore this fabulous and nutritious ancient grain. From balancing hormones to offering a whole bunch of nutrients like protein and fiber, Kamut® berries are truly a superfood. Have you tried cooking or baking with Kamut® yet? If so, do you have any favorite recipes or pieces of inspiration you’d like to share with our community and our readers? We’re always on the lookout for creative ways to enjoy some of the Earth’s best ingredients — especially those that are lesser-known (like Kamut®). From all of us at the Bob’s Red Mill team, wishing you a happy and healthy week ahead. We’re excited we’ve introduced you to the brilliant Kamut® berry and look forward to seeing what you create in the kitchen!

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