Spicy Beef and Black Bean Pasta Delight

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the Pasta: Add 300g pasta shells to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This helps prevent overcooking since the pasta will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
• Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Drizzle a little olive oil on it to prevent sticking if desired.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp rapeseed oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm for a minute.
• Add Spring Onions and Garlic: Add 5 finely sliced spring onions and 2 crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Incorporate the Ingredients

• Add the Vegetables: Stir in the 400g drained and rinsed black beans, 3 finely chopped roasted red peppers (from a jar), and 200g sweetcorn (canned or frozen).
• Season: Sprinkle in 25g taco seasoning and 1 tbsp chipotle paste (if using) to give the dish a spicy kick. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
• Cook for 2 Minutes: Fry the mixture for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

• Stir in the Ragu: Add 400g of leftover ragu to the frying pan along with a splash of water (about 50ml). This helps loosen the sauce and allows it to mix well with the other ingredients.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and piping hot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

• Add Cream and Pasta: Stir in 50ml double cream to make the sauce rich and creamy. Then, add the cooked pasta, gently mixing until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
• Season to Taste: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed for additional flavor.

Step 6: Serve

• Garnish: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with 100g grated mature cheddar and a small handful of chopped parsley for freshness.
• Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the rich flavors and textures of the dish.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Leftover Ragu: If you don’t have leftover ragu, you can substitute with a store-bought pasta sauce or make a quick meat sauce from scratch.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen it if needed.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Beef and Black Bean Pasta Delight!