I just found this black bean pasta at Trader Joe’s today and wanted to try it. Unlike regular or even gluten free pasta made of rice, the bean pasta is purely black beans. Period. I am not a fan of eating grains for many reasons, but the black beans are much healthier. Great fiber, high in protein, grain free, less starchy, low glycemic, great tasting and lots more interesting! The black bean pasta makes for a heartier pasta, so team it up with something equally hearty.

This ragout is a delicious homemade, easy sauce (no measuring) that you can throw into a pan while the pasta is cooking and dinner is ready in minutes. I added some natural Italian chicken sausage and it was satisfying and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients (can vary)
1/2 bag of black bean pasta (more or less depending on quantities)1/4 large red onion, chopped roughly
3-4 large leaves of dinosaur, baby or other kale
2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 8oz can fire roasted tomatoes
2-4 garlic cloves, smashed with knife and chopped
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 or 2 natural chicken sausages, sliced
Sea salt, pepper
fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, etc.

Directions
Add water to pot, boil and add pasta, cooking according to directions. Set timer so pasta is al dente, and not over done. It turns to mush if overcooked. When done, drain, stir in 1 Tbsp olive oil and set aside.
Chop onion and garlic and cook in pan with olive oil. Add chicken sausage and cook 3 minutes. Add kale, cook 2-3 minutes till tender, add tomatoes and seasoning, cook an additional 3 minutes or so. Serve over black bean pasta, adding grated Parmigiana if desired. Serves 2-4.