Lentils and pulses are nutritious legumes like beans, peas, and chickpeas that are a great addition to your diet. They can be found in both canned and dried form. Canned black beans are perfect for adding to tacos or chili while dried lentils can be used in comforting soups or even as a side dish.
If you're looking for recipe inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to start! There's no shortage of ideas on how to work with lentils and pulses – from hearty dishes like curries and stews to salads full of texture. You can even create your own Pinterest board dedicated solely to lentil recipes for easy reference. With so many delicious possibilities, it's easy to incorporate these healthy pulses into your meals!
How To Cook Pulses
Start by placing a cooking pot over medium-high heat and adding in some dry lentils. Quickly rinse them off before adding a halved onion, your favorite spices and enough water to cover the ingredients. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the lentils are soft. For something different, try lima beans or navy beans in place of lentils. If you're short on time, an instant pot is ideal for quickly cooking small legumes such as black beans. Just add your seasonings and liquid to the pot with the beans and set it for 8-10 minutes before releasing the pressure valve. No matter how you cook them, lentils and pulses are a great way to add nutrition into your diet!
Fiber and Protein-Rich Salads Without Meat
Start by tossing cooked lentils with cooked beans and your favorite seasonings for a tasty cold salad. You can also sauté leafy greens like Swiss chard or spinach with red onion as a healthy side dish. Try adding them to sandwiches for extra protein, or add to salads for an extra punch of flavor. Lentils and pulses are so versatile, you can even use them as a side dish!
Bean Lentil Plant-Based Chilly
Try making a bean chili with black lentils and firmer lentils. This dish is perfect for adding new flavors to your weekly meal plan. Another great way to enjoy lentils and pulses is through a nourish bowl. Combine them with whole grains, beans, vegetables, greens and even some fruit for an exciting mix of flavors. You can also add them to bowls or salads.
Lentil Burgers
Lentil burgers are a delicious and nutritious way to get your daily dose of protein. You can also make creamy lentil soups with mung beans, curried lentils, and red lentils for a delicious lunch or dinner. Rice burgers can also be made using brown rice and basmati rice for an added crunchy texture. For an easy weeknight meal, you could make a delicious stewed mixture of hearty lentils, brown rice, and yellow split peas. And don't forget about the classic red lentil soup! It's healthy and packed full of flavor that will fill you up in no time!
Breakfast Sausage
Lentils and pulses are a great free alternative to traditional breakfast sausage. You can make them into snack foods or fill pastry shells with savory fillings. They also make great additions to Indian flat breads and can be used in baking as flours. Dried lentils are easy to store for future use and take only minutes to cook. Try adding eyed peas to salads for extra crunch or simmering red lentils with vegetables for a delicious soup!