The 100% legume pastas are richer in protein and fiber of those prepared with the addition of cereal flours.
«From a nutritional point of view, there is no doubt that the best are produced with only lentils or chickpeas or peas»Says the doctor Diana Scatozza. "Compared to the others, they also have the advantage of containing interesting doses of iron and that is why, in expressing my opinion, I have awarded them with the highest marks».
Organic makes the difference
On the other hand, the discourse on organoleptic qualities.
«As they do not contain gluten, pasta made exclusively with legumes cannot guarantee the same elasticity to chewing of the classic wheat ones », explains the food technologist Giorgio Donegani. «I had to take this difference into account in my evaluations for do not penalize at the start half of the lab products. What did I rely on instead? First of all on the origin of the ingredients, rewarding the organic and / or local ones. So on the regularity of the shape and the absence of crumbs and broken pieces, all indicators of quality ».
Balance always wins
The most important test, however, was that of cooking.
"THE times were very variable, from 4 minutes to more than double ", explains our expert. «I have scrupulously followed the information on the packaging and, after having observed the keeping of the shape, I switched toperfume examination, considering that it was pleasant, not too intense, but with the typical notes of the ingredients used. The same criterion I applied it for analyze the flavor: the fact that the pasta tasted of chickpeas or lentils could not be considered a negative attribute. I gave a "minus" only in cases of excessive characterization or, on the contrary, total anonymity. As for consistency: in the 100% legume samples I judged positive the fact that did not fall apart too much, thus avoiding to knead the mouth ».
The strong point
It has a pleasantly sweet taste
The ingredients
Red lentil flour (organic).
The tasting
The scent is pleasant, light, the consistency is satisfactory: the paste maintains a good elasticity during chewing. The flavor is balanced, with a slight hint of lentils that leaves a sweet and pleasant sensation in the mouth. The high price is in line with the quality.
I nutrienti in 100 g
1,2g of fat, 54,1g of carbohydrates, 5,1g of fiber, 26,2g of protein, less than 0,03g of salt, 342 calories.
Probable: 3,95 €, 250 g (15,8 €/kg).
The strong point
It remains consistent even after cooking
The ingredients
Yellow lentil flour.
The tasting
The scent is neutral. In the mouth the consistency is quite satisfactory: the paste maintains a good cohesion. When tasted, you can hear the typical note of lentils: not excessive, but well perceptible, with a sweet value. The whole is very pleasant.
I nutrienti in 100 g
1,2 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 5,7 g fiber, 22 g protein, 0,03 g salt, 1160 mg potassium, 6 mg iron, 481 mg phosphorus, 342 calories.
Coop Wellness: 1,49 €, 250 g (5,96 €/kg).
The strong point
It is a great mix of grains and legumes
The ingredients
Durum wheat semolina, 20% amaranth flour, 20% chickpea flour, parsley (all organic).
The tasting
The scent is striking: the scent of parsley emerges a lot. The flavor, on the other hand, is more balanced. In the mouth the consistency is satisfactory, al dente. The pasta remains very elastic thanks to the use of 50% of wheat semolina.
I nutrienti in 100 g
3,6 g of fat, 64 g of carbohydrates, 7,3 g of fiber, 13 g of protein, 0,06 g of salt, 355 calories.
nature: 3,55 €, 350 g (10,14 €/kg).
The strong point
Contains a high proportion of fiber ingredients
The ingredients
Organic chickpea flour from the country.
The tasting
The typical flavor of chickpeas persists (not excessively) even after swallowing. The consistency is al dente. The pasta, although it tends to melt a little, does not leave a dry sensation in the mouth.
I nutrienti in 100 g
6,1 g fat, 52 g carbohydrates, 8,5 g fiber, 20 g protein, 0,02 g salt, 800 mg potassium, 4,6 mg iron, 362 mg phosphorus, 3,5, 1,7 mg of zinc, 359 mg of manganese, XNUMX calories.
More good: 2,45 €, 250 g (9,8 €/kg).
