black bean pasta
heirloom tomato, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, olive oil
The noodles are marketed as “Organic Black Bean Spaghetti Shape” but the shape is actually closer to a cross between linguini and capellini. A long flat skinny noodle. The flavor is definitely reminiscent of beans, and the tooth is chewy in a pleasant way.
I was not expecting to be impressed, but it turns out that this pasta substitute is actually good. Really good. Love the creamy black color, al dente texture, mild sweet bean-y flavor, and earthy aroma. I think my gluten-free friends will be extra happy at our next Italian-themed dinner party…
black bean pasta recipe
There seems to be some controversy regarding the nutritional facts on the package which claim to provide 27% daily value of protein, 48% of daily value of fiber and 36% daily value of iron per 2 oz. serving.
Explore Cuisine Organic Black Bean Spaghetti Shape is sold at Whole Foods Market, and is a product of China. Whether or not the percentages of the nutrition facts are completely accurate, the product is still high in protein, iron, and fiber, lower in carbohydrates. Gluten-free. Sodium-free. Low fat. Vegan. Organic. Kosher. And tasty.
UPDATE 12/15/2014: Explore Cuisine has confirmed with me that the nutritional facts have been tested by three independent sources and all three have verified the data to be accurate.
Ingredients:
- black bean spaghetti
- heirloom tomatoes
- olive oil
- basil
- garlic
- salt
- red pepper flakes
Method:
Given the shape of the pasta, I decided to prepare this dish in the classic combination of capellini with tomato and basil. Noodles are cooked just like traditional pasta. Heirloom tomatoes are seeded, diced and tossed with good quality olive oil, ribbons of fresh basil, minced garlic, salt and red pepper flakes. My basil plant just happened to be flowering, so, of course, that made the garnish.
Be sure to check out more recipes for super-tasty gluten-free bean pasta…
edamame spaghetti with kale cilantro pesto
(read about edamame spaghetti, made exclusively from green soybeans here)
Black Bean Spaghetti
with
Butternut Squash, Mushrooms, Kale, Cabbage
Parmesan and Chives
in a
Savory Garlic Sauce
(recipe here)
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Unfortunately this is not made from black beans, but rather black soybeans.
Just to make you aware in the event you have a soy allergy or are buying this thinking it is made from the common black bean.
Thank you JC. You are correct. When I wrote the post in 2013, it was not clear that the product was made from black soybeans vs. common black beans. Now, the company is very clear, the website indicates black soybeans here: https://explorecuisine.com/product/organic-black-bean-spaghetti/ and the packaging clearly states that it contains soy. Thanks very much for your comment. Hopefully people with soy allergies will always read the label.
LL
I was very disappointed when I read that it is black soy beans. Omitting the word soy from the package front label seems misleading to me and I fell for it. I would never choose to eat a soy product so Explore needs to be more forthright with their labelling.
Do you know of a brand of Black Bean Spaghetti (organic or not) produced anywhere other than China?
No Mike, I’m sorry I don’t. Happy 4th to you!
LL
I tried a small sample at Costco and after a few seconds of adjusting my expectation regarding texture, I really enjoyed it. Looked at the nutritional information I was really impressed. While eating something in their café I read that it was made in China. Over the last few years I have become concerned about the quality of food grown/made in China. But reading articles negatively portraying the quality control and safe handling I wonder how much of that is has a racially motivated. I find racism hasn’t necessarily lessened but instead has only become more insidious (this is just my opinion, I am not saying it is a fact). Snopes dot come shows that some concerns are valid and others are not. But Farmed Tilapia, Melamine and the death of pets from the poultry jerky , the later actually sold by Costco, make me second guess what I purchase and consume. Ultimately I returned it before leaving the store. I felt strange about it, almost guilty, but I knew it would just sit on my shelves so why buy it. You recipes do look Fabulous!! So I will seek alternatives. Lovely photos!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Celina. Your sentiments about imported Chinese foods are sharing by others too. I’m not taking a position except to say that the contents are simply beans and water, and it has been analyzed in the U.S. by three independent companies.
And thanks for your kind words about my photos. Have a great day!
Lori Lynn
Do we trust this ‘organic’ made in China pasta? Are we sure the beans are good quality and the water is pure? How much due diligence to Whole Foods and Costco do? I agree though, it’s very tasty.
Just tried these as a spaghetti. Very traditional with mushroom red sauce.. they are amazing!!
I did the same with a red kale garlic sauce and Italian herbs with Apple chicken sausage. Was very good! I bought it at my local grocery in the gluten free section.