Airport Pasta

I know, strange name for a dish. Let me give you a little bit of background. At the Denver airport there is a little restaurant that serves the most amazing pasta. We're not sure what the dish is called... actually, I don't even know the name of the restaurant. But it is tasty, and that is what is important.

Ingredients:
Pasta - I think I like bowtie best, but whatever
1 can enchilada sauce (I prefer the medium or hot variety)
2 cups fiesta blend or taco cheese
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
4-5 Green onions, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
A bunch of cilantro, chopped
A couple limes, cut into wedges

Directions:
1. While pasta is cooking, heat the enchilada sauce in a medium sized saucepan.
2. When the enchilada sauce is good and hot add the cheese.
3. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
4. Add the beans and corn.
5. Drain pasta. Just before combining the sauce and pasta, add the green onions, tomato and cilantro to the sauce. Toss well.
6. Serve with a bit of lime drizzled on top.

** The pasta in the airport comes with super-thin tortilla chips on top. I can never remember to buy them and don't miss them at all, but if you are feeling adventurous and can remember to add them to your list by all means go for it!

Rockin' Southwest Black Bean Burgers

I have been wanting to start this again for a long time, but we've been in a bit of a food rut recently. I finally found a recipe that is just too amazing to not share. Seriously, you need to try this! And please make a double batch, you will want some leftovers - I'm sad that I don't. Thanks Kristen for the great recipe!

Ingredients
2 slices whole wheat bread, torn
4 T fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 15 0z can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 t taco seasoning
1 egg

Place torn bread in a food processor bowl or blender container. Cover and process or blend until bread becomes crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl and set aside. Next, process or blend cilantro and garlic until finely chopped. Add beans and seasoning. Process or blend until beans are coarsely chopped and mixture begins to pull away from the sides. Add mixture to the bread crumbs in the bowl. Add egg, mix well and shape into four 1/2 in thick patties.

Grill patties on a lightly greased rack or an uncovered grill directly over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until patties are heated through, turning once. (I cooked mine on my George Foreman.)


Healthy Coleslaw
3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, grated
1 t rice vinegar
1 t olive oil
1/4 c chopped cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, add cabbage and carrots. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil and cilantro. Toss dressing with cabbage and carrots and salt and pepper to taste.

Place the black bean burger on a bed of coleslaw and top with tomatoes, guacamole, and lime juice. YUMMY!!