Earlier this month, pulses were thrown into the spotlight when the UN announced that 2016 was the International Year of the Pulses. The announcement was made in an effort to raise awareness for pulses and their role in sustainable agriculture and improved food security.
Since the announcement, pulses have been trending across social media as chefs, bloggers, and foodies share recipes and bring attention to these little members of the legume family that are packing a big punch.
But what exactly are pulses and what makes them so spectacular? We spoke with Angie Quaale, owner of Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store, to learn more.
What are pulses and how are they different than legumes?
Angie Quaale: Pulses and legumes are all part of the pea, bean, and lentil family. They’re the deliciously edible seeds that grow on a legume. Some examples would be chickpeas, adzuki beans, lentils, and lima beans. They exclude those used mostly in vegetable oil production, such as soybeans. Pulses are a great source of protein, healthy carbohydrates, vitamin B and lysine, which is an essential amino acid. Most of the time, they are relatively inexpensive and part of a healthy and balanced diet for vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Red lentil soup and Greek yogurt (Well Seasoned)
Are there any tips you could share when it comes to preparing pulses?
Yes – they all need to be handled differently. Some lentils don’t require pre-soaking or pre-cooking, at all. Some cook faster than rice. Actually, from a time standpoint for the home cook, canned pulses are excellent and, in many cases, just as delicious as taking the time to soak and cook a dried pulse.
What are some unique ways pulses can be used?
Sprouted lentils are delicious. You can sprout them on your own and use them in sandwiches and salads, for example. You could use pulses such as chickpeas in a cauliflower puree, and mash them as you would a potato. They’re great in desserts, too. Some of them are pretty neutral tasting which makes them quite versatile. I like to use white lentils, which cook quickly and easily, with a finished texture that’s smooth and creamy. You could also substitute white lentils for rice to make a sweet “rice” pudding, adding coconut milk, dried fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cardamom.
Do you have a favourite recipe you’d be willing to share?
Nothing beats the mid-winter blues like a bowl of piping hot lentil stew.
Lentil Stew
by Angie Quaale, Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cups of chopped onions
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup de Puy lentils
- 1 can Chickpeas
- 1.5 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen Lima Beans
- ½ cup chopped Italian parsley
- 10 oz fresh spinach leaves
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot to medium and coat the bottom in olive oil.
- Add the onion and “sweat” for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Now add the garlic and sweat for another 4 to 5 minutes, until they are all nice and soft.
- Add the tomato paste, coriander, caraway, and cayenne and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until the tomato paste is sticking to the bottom and turning golden.
- Add the vegetable stock, the carrots and the lentils.
- Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are almost tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally.
- Add the chickpeas, lima beans and parsley.
- Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Stir spinach into the stew and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Season to taste.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Written by Natalie Browne – a self-taught hobby chef and food blogger with a passion for local and sustainable products. Visit her website at kitchenuncorked.com or follow her on Twitter @kitchenuncorked
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