I honestly can’t remember where I first heard about bean pasta but I want to say it was on Sayward’s (excellent and very delicious) Instagram? And my love has grown stronger every day. Honestly, I wish the love in my marriage was growing at such an even, steady pace. But alas, my husband lacks the edible quality that I look for in TRU LUV.
But back to the beans! Bean pasta is just that—it’s pasta made 100-percent from beans. So, it’s super good for you; high in protein, filling, and the taste AIN’T BAD. In fact, it’s mostly good. And in some dishes, it’s downright delicious! And no, I’m not saying it will ever take the place of amazing homemade noodles – what could?! Only angel tears, probably—but, like, it’s totally serviceable in most dishes and fills you up like whoa. I’m sold hard on this stuff and you should be, too.
I’ve tried two kinds and they’re both organic and delicious! And both companies have the added bonus of appearing to not be evil? Hooray!
First, there’s the old-school Explore Asian—they make spaghetti and fettuccine shapes in all sorts of different types of beans: black bean, mung bean, adzuki bean, and soybean. These are excellent and I’ve used them to make everything from pad thai to spaghetti and meat balls. Yum yum yum yum!
Then, there’s the newer Tolerant Pasta —which does penne shaped, mini fettuccine, and the little corkscrews in red lentil, green lentil, and black bean. These pastas aren’t cheap – full disclosure: they sent me some to try and i devoured them almost instantly as us succubi are wont to do—but you need to eat so little of it to fill up, the box will last you a while. Also, they started selling large boxes at some Costco stores, so if you are #blessed with a membership there, definitely check it out in the pasta section for a nice discount.
Listen, nothing will ever, ever replace the extreme tastiness of pasta made from delicious, delicious wheat but for everyday meals when you want more nutrition and to fill up fast (or those of you who just can’t/don’t eat wheat) – bean pastas are your new bff. (Just don’t forget about me, your old BFF. My name’s Laura. Fuck, you already forgot. I knew it.)
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