Sopa Seca with Beans

This is an interesting vegetarian pasta dish, a little different because it's Mexican-inspired instead of the normal Italian. I've made it a lot because I usually have most of the ingredients on hand, usually just need to get cilantro and a hot pepper. The Food Network magazine is getting better at having vegetarian recipes, and their Sopa Seca with Beans is easy and fast for a weeknight dinner.

In the largest pan you have, cook 1 sliced onion and 1 sliced hot pepper (poblano, or whatever you can find, I usually use jalapenos but this time I tried a Hungarian yellow pepper) in olive oil for a few minutes. Add 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, some cayenne and 1/2 tsp salt (yes, it does need more spices than it calls for) and cook another 2 minutes. Throw in 8 oz (my kitchen scale comes in handy!) broken up whole wheat spaghetti, and toast for 5 minutes. Now for this next bit, I actually had to transfer it to a large pot because my pan wasn't big enough!

I think it was because once I weighed the pasta, I found out I had been using only about half of what the recipe called for. Oops. So, once all the spaghetti and spices are in the pot, add 1 can diced tomatoes (I don't use fire-roasted... maybe they aren't common up here? I never see them) and simmer about 2 minutes so the liquid can be absorbed. Add 2 cups chicken broth (I cheat and use water sometimes, with added salt), bring to a boil and boil 1 minute. Reduce to medium-low, cover, simmer about 6 min to (almost) cook the pasta. Uncover, stir in 1 can red kidney beans and a bunch of chopped cilantro, and cook another few minutes to fully cook the pasta.

Ladle out the soupy, spiced pasta into bowls and cover with grated cheddar cheese and more cilantro. We put baby spinach on the bottom of our bowls for added veggies. In the past I've also thrown in carrots and red peppers while it's cooking. One tip: don't use a Hungarian yellow pepper. I didn't realize they are not spicy at all - stick with something with a little heat. Add more spices than it calls for as well - Food Network recipes can be bland. And don't leave out the cheese... delicious cheese.