I love pasta! There is a statement I know many of you can relate to, and
perhaps even agree that we have been taught to feel somewhat naughty about it 😛 Somewhere along the diet crazy and gluten free enthused path society seems to be on,delicious and oh so fabulously carby pasta has become
a bit demonized (ok, slightly harsh..but you get it 😉
I have to admit that although I occasionally indulge in so
me gluten free spaghetti or splurge 
on a particularly irresistible penne at a restaurant…for the most part, pasta has been a thing of my past-a….umm yes, I just made that pun :\ and laughed at my own joke to make it worse!
I digress..
I have been overjoyed to recently discover and incorporate zucchini pasta (zoodles) as a regular staple in my meal plan, and although it captures most of that pasta-y goodness .. I at times miss the real noodle texture. I always keep one eye on the pasta aisle
at the health food store for any space age super noodles that are sure to be invented any minute now!
Enter black bean pasta by Explore Asian. Praise the universe!!! Can you tell I’m excited :):):) These delightfully thin and light chow mein-esue noodles are gluten
free, high in fiber, really high in protein and relatively low in carbs…basically any figure and 
health conscious, closet pasta lovers dream!
A 56g/2oz portion of this awesomeness has 12 grams o
f fiber, only 17 grams of carbs, and a whopping 25 grams of protein (who the heck needs shakes). It is also worth 26% daily value of iron (good news for vegans and most women). Regular pastas cant even compete with around 30-40 grams of carbs per 2 oz servings, no more than 5-6g of protein and just 2-3g of dietary fiber.
I’m sold …and here to tell you to break out your fave home cooked sauces …cause pasta is back baby!
My latest creation with these nutritious noodles has a decidedly Asian influence that compliments this pastas texture as well as blending it with some zoodles for added density. I have also made this pasta with seared tofu and ground turkey and each give their own fabulous flavor! Give it a try and be in guilt free glory. Feel free to share any other recipes you come up with as I would love to give them a try 🙂
Here are the ingredients for an optional homemade sauce that is soo tasty, or I use Mr. Spice Peanut Saute for a quicker and more m
acro friendly alternative 🙂
Asian Inspired Dressing:
Ingredients
serves 4
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp tamari (wheat-free)
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1/4 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger root, grated
Prawn Saute on Black Bean and Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients:
serves 1
- 57 grams Explore Asian black bean pasta
- 1/2 Large zucchini
- 4 oz Prawns
- 1/2 Red bell pepper
- 1 Tbsp crushed cashews
- Handful cilantro leaves
- 1/2 Lime
Cook the spaghetti by boiling a medium pot of water, add spaghetti noodles to the boiling water and simmer gently for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through. Immediately rinse under cold, running water. Spiralize the zucchini (I used a cheap and very functional hand held version by Gefu), then saute the “zoodles” in a saucepan until brighter green and lightly softened but not mushy. Clean and cut cilantro and red peppers while sauteing the prawns in the same saucepan once zucchini is removed. Toss the spaghetti and zoodles together with the cilantro, peppers and prawns, next drizzle with the sauce and top crushed cashews (I did my own by putting them in a sandwich bag and just maillot them). Squeeze lime over it all and garnish with one slice….EAT & ENJOY <3
Approx Macros without sauce
Calories: 386
Fat: 7.5
Carbs: 31.1
Protein: 50.7