Do you know that legume pasta exists? These are fusilli, penne, conchiglie and other pasta shapes made exclusively with 100% legume flour. We have tried them for you
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous2016 is the year of legumes decreed by the FAO. These foods, rich in precious nutrients, are still little used and appreciated, often with the excuse that they require long cooking and preparation. But you know that it also exists the pasta of legumes? These are fusilli, penne, shells and other shapes made exclusively with 100% legume flour.
A practical and convenient solution to increase the consumption of these foods of vegetable origin especially when you are in a hurry and do not have time to elaborate delicious recipes, you do not want to eat legumes as they are or finally you do not want to give up a good first course. In fact, the legume pasta is prepared in a few minutes (the procedure is the same as that of common pasta), retains all the properties of the flours with which it is made (in particular the protein content), is naturally gluten-free and is also really good!
We have tried some legume pasta for you on the market. The list is not exhaustive because, given the success of this kind of products, new brands are always coming out and increasing their samples by adding lentil, pea, chickpea and bean paste, etc. The flavor of most of these protein pastes is very delicate and goes well with different vegetables but also with simple extra virgin olive oil. In some cases the taste is very similar to that of traditional pasta.
The only disadvantage of legume pasta is the price, the packs (all from 225 or 250 grams) have a fluctuating cost between 3 and 4 euros. However, it must be considered that the single recommended serving is 65 grams about (so with a pack you eat 4 times), this is because it is not common carbohydrates but rather a protein food of which small doses are enough.
Index
RED LENTILS PASTA
The red lentil pasta is the one for which there are more options on the market and the most versatile in the kitchen given the delicate flavor of this legume. We have prepared it in different variations but always combined with vegetables with the addition of a teaspoon or two of extra virgin olive oil.
Probable
The Probios pasta with red lentils resembles in all respects a good quality cereal pasta. When paired with a stronger flavored dressing it's easy to get confused. We tasted fusilli with red lentils combined with cauliflower and Gaeta olives. The pasta keeps cooking very well and, if desired, it can be kept even just al dente. Fully approved!
ingredients: 100% red lentils, guaranteed gluten-free.
Felicia
Recently the Felicia brand (Molino Andriani) launched a red lentil paste on the market organic, vegan and rich in proteins, of fiber, iron, forsphorus and other minerals naturally contained in these legumes. Here we ventured a slightly strange combination by tasting the red lentil sedanini with a pepper sauce. The result, however, was still very good!
ingredients: 100% Organic Red Lentil Flour gluten free
LENTIL PASTA MIX
Fior di Loto
Fior di Loto then proposes an interesting combination of lentils with which fusilli have been made which in addition to being good are also colorful and make the dish very presentable and scenographic. In addition to the classics red lentils, have been used black lentils and yellow lentils (they are also found individually always in the form of pasta made by Fior di Loto). We tasted this first course simply with extra virgin olive oil and the flavor is really great. The cooking times shown on the package are fully respected and the fusilli do not tend to crumble. It is also suitable for celiacs.
ingredients: 50% organic yellow lentil flour, 25% organic black lentil flour, 25% organic red lentil flour.
PASTA OF PEAS
Fior di Loto
This 100% green pea based paste it is suitable for celiacs as it is guaranteed the absence of gluten. The other solutions are also naturally gluten-free but companies cannot always exclude, as in this case, the danger of contamination. We tasted it combined with champignon mushrooms sautéed with garlic, oil and chilli. Very good!
ingredients: 100% gluten-free organic green pea flour
Felicia
Felicia also proposes a pasta of organic and gluten-free green peas. It is fusilli and we have seasoned them with cherry tomatoes, green beans and extra virgin olive oil. The flavor of the peas is very evident but if you feel it too strong you can always mask it with some stronger seasoning. We don't mind and we advise you to taste this pasta in all its flavor!
ingredients: 100% Organic Green Pea Flour. Gluten free
CHICKPEAS PASTA
Fior di Loto
The only chickpea-based pasta we have tried is Fior di Loto. The flavor is very delicate and the aftertaste of chickpeas is felt at times, it all depends on how it is seasoned of course. We tasted it together with broccoli sautéed with garlic, oil and chilli. We liked it!
ingredients: 100% white chickpea flour
BORLOTTI BEAN PASTA
A very particular legume paste with a stronger flavor of the others is that of Bio and food based on borlotti beans. The flavor has an aftertaste that I would call very pleasant spicy, considering then that it was seasoned with a preparation based on garlic, parsley and chilli, everything was enhanced. We did it though cook longer than indicated on the package, probably the shell shape takes a few more minutes to make sure that the cooking is uniform in all points. Absolutely recommended for those looking for a more particular taste!
ingredients: 100% organic borlotti beans
AZUKI PASTA
Always in the shape of a shell and always from Bio and Food we tasted the Azuki pasta, made with the flour of these small dark red beans. Here the taste of the pasta becomes even more intense, as the Azuki have a very particular flavor and not everyone likes. We tasted them accompanied with sautéed cabbage.
ingredients: 100% red soya GMO free bio
In short, the legume pastes are definitely approved and, once in a while, they can be used instead of traditional legumes, vegetable burgers, etc. They are easy to prepare, ready in minutes and really tasty!
Read also:
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CELIAC: THE PASTA OF LEGUMES WITHOUT GLUTEN AND LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX HAS ARRIVED
THE 5 MOST HEALTHY LEGUMES ON THE PLANET