I often credit my Sicilian heritage for my love of pasta. It is such a versatile dish that can accommodate the simplest or most sophisticated combination of ingredients.
So, I was very intrigued when Explore Asian contacted me to try their range of pulse pasta. Pasta made from beans . . . something I certainly was keen to try. A few days later, I received a pack of Organic Soybean Spaghetti and a pack of Organic Black Bean Spaghetti.
Naturally high in protein and iron, beans and pulses are the cornerstones of vegetarian and vegan diets.
When it comes to food, pulses not only make a healthy choice but also a sustainable one. They require less water and have a lower carbon footprint than most animal sources of protein. So much so that the UN has declared 2016 the International Year of The Pulses.
Looking at the samples I received, I was very impressed straight away by the nutritional content. Low in fat and carbohydrates, Explore Asian‘s spaghetti boasts 22g fibre and 44g protein per 100g. They are also gluten free and therefore ideal for coeliacs or anyone with gluten sensitivity.
Containing only beans (92%) and water (8%), I was glad to find no hidden nasties or additives listed. Both kinds of spaghetti cook in only 5-6 mins so are ideal if you are in a hurry or in need of quick and healthy food.
I decided to try them both for lunch with my husband. One of my favourite ways to eat pasta is simply to roast some vegetables, add some fresh herbs and drizzle some olive oil on top.
I served the Soybean Spaghetti with some roasted tomatoes and basil, while the Black Bean Spaghetti were treated to a more sophisticated mix of roasted aubergine, mango, lime and herbs (inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi’s Soba Noodles with Aubergine and Mango).
Both went down a treat. The pasta was cooked al dente with a feel & texture very close to soba noodles. Our vegan lunch was very filling, delicious and boasted enough protein to power up the rest of our day. Both pulse pasta were so much better than other gluten free alternatives I have tried in the past. Light and slightly springy, they did not leave us with a bulky feeling that you sometimes get after eating conventional pasta.
Explore Asian’s range of pulse pasta also includes Adzuki Spaghetti, Edamame Spaghetti plus Edamame & Mung Bean Fettucine. They are available from Asda, Morrison, Ocado, Whole Food Market or at a shop near you.
You can find out more about Explore Asian here, check them out on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.
A Collaborative Post for Explore Asian. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Other things you might enjoy reading
Leave a Reply