Roasted Corn and Black Bean Southwestern Blend Rotini

Often times we get requests for recipes for certain pastas and products that we sell.  The majority of the time these recommendations are something simple and easy.  Our normal recommendations for our Pastamore Southwestern Blend Rotini are pasta salad or macaroni and cheese.  The inspiration for this recipe came from a pasta salad recipe that was begging to be served warm instead of cold.  This recipe utilizes the general ingredients of a roasted corn and black bean salsa to produce a delicious sauce that matches well with the Pastamore Southwestern Blend Rotini.

Ingredients:          Servings - 4
1 12 oz package - Pastamore Southwestern Blend Rotini
2 Tbsp - vegetable oil
1 - small red onion (medium dice)
1 ear - fresh corn
1 can - black beans
3/4 lb - fresh tomoatoes - medium dice (1/4" x 1/4")
2 Tbsp - fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp - Pastamore Fresh Jalapeno Oil
To taste - salt and pepper

Directions:
1.  In a large pot place 4 quarts of water and bring to a boil.  Remove the corn from the cob.  Hold the corn vertically and run a sharp knife down the side of the corn removing as much flesh as possible.

2.  While the water is heating, place a separate pot over medium/medium-high heat.  When the pot is hot add the vegetable oil and allow the oil to heat.  When the oil is hot add the diced red onion.  Allow to sweat (heating without adding color) for 4-5 minutes.  Add the corn to the pot and cook for 10 minutes.

3.  Open the can of black beans and drain then through a colander over the sink.  Rinse the black beans with water, and then add the black beans to the pot with the onion and corn

4.  Place the Pastamore Southwestern Blend Rotini into the boiling water.  Add the fresh cilantro and the Pastamore Fresh Jalapeno Oil to the pot with the corn, black beans, and onion.  After 3 minutes add the fresh tomatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low.  Stir frequently, trying to remove moisture from the tomatoes.  Doing this allows the sauce to be more liquid without having to add any water to the mixture.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5.  The pasta should take approximately 4-5 minutes, but can take longer depending on elevation.  It is important to cook the rotini long enough because they can cook very unevenly do to their shape.  Be sure to test more than one noodle when determining whether or not the pasta is as done as you would like.

6.  Immediately plate the pasta when it is done and top with the fresh corn and black bean sauce.

For a little extra spice add a little more  Pastamore Fresh Jalapeno Oil , and for a recipe that is not spicy replace the  Pastamore Fresh Jalapeno Oil with Pastamore Roasted Tomato Blend Dipping Oil.