| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 432 | 8.6g | 2.8g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 17g | 0.3g |
The Seabeans Pasta with Garlic and Chili Flakes recipe is a favorite of mine for many reasons. Growing up in Atlanta, with parents hailing from Nigeria, my kitchen became a fusion point of Southern warmth and West African spices – and this dish hits the sweet spot in between. The tender pasta, coated with the fiery chili flakes and the unique, briny flavor of the seabeans transport you to the intersections of these food cultures in one hearty mouthful.
Bringing the Ocean to Your Pasta Dish
This dish has a special place in my heart due to sea beans, which grow near saltwater bodies, and hence, are a delicious reminder of my visits to Savannah’s vibrant coastal landscapes. Their salty crunch is a delightful contrast to the starchy satisfaction of pasta. This Seabeans Pasta with Garlic and Chili Flakes recipe incorporates the seabeans washed by the waves into a comforting pasta dish that will make your taste buds dance.
Health Benefits Abound
Aside from its tantalizing taste, the recipe packs plenty of nutrition. Sea beans are high in Vitamin A, C, and iron, and their natural salinity allows you to resort less to added sodium. The red chili flakes, besides giving a lively kick to the dish, have anti-inflammatory properties, and the garlic not only adds aroma but also contributes to heart health. A final drizzle of olive oil and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice not only heighten the flavors but also infuse the dish with heart-healthy fats and vitamin C.
If there’s an essence to Afro-Southern fusion food, this recipe captures it completely. It seamlessly incorporates the bold, spicy, and earthy flavors that remind me of home while introducing the unexpected taste of the sea. If you’re a fan of pasta dishes like Puttanesca, you’ll find this recipe strikingly familiar yet distinctly unique.
What I love most about this Seabeans Pasta with Garlic and Chili flakes recipe is how versatile it is. It works wonderfully as a stand-alone vegan dish, or it can be paired with a simple roast chicken for the meat lovers, or topped with grilled shrimp for an extra seafood punch. It’s a recipe that’s easily adaptable to almost any palette or dietary requirement – because at the end of the day, good food is all about bringing people together. If you’re looking for more information on seabeans, I recommend looking here.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Seabeans Pasta with Garlic and Chili Flakes recipe as much as I do. It’s more than just a recipe for me, it’s a delicious piece of my culinary heritage and a vibrant reminder of the places and people that influences my cooking style.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of pasta (any variety)
- 2 cups of sea beans, rinsed and chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by cooking your pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside for later use.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat and add your olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes and cook for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Three
Next, add the sea beans to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the beans are well coated in the garlic and chili flakes, then let them cook for about five minutes until they are tender.
Step Four
Once the sea beans are cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine them with the other ingredients. Cook this mixture for another two to three minutes until the tomatoes become slightly softened.
Step Five
Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir everything together to combine.
Step Six
Pour over the lemon juice and sprinkle over the grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and the cheese has melted.
Step Seven
Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve your Sea Beans Pasta with Garlic and Chili Flakes. Enjoy!
