Legumes 101: Practical and economical alternatives!

What exactly are legumes?

This food group includes nutritional powerhouses such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas. These are plants that produce pods containing seeds rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Legumes are a valuable source of these nutrients and have become a mainstay of healthy eating .

1. Why choose legumes?

Legumes are more than just meat substitutes for vegetarians. They're a nutritional boon. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients , they're a great addition to a balanced diet. Plus, by reducing our meat consumption in favor of legumes, we can help reduce our carbon footprint and improve our health.

2. Why always have it in the pantry?

Have you ever faced a last-minute dinner dilemma? Pulses may be the solution. They're inexpensive, easy to store, and have an exceptional shelf life . Having pulses in your pantry means you'll always have a healthy and versatile option on hand to whip up a delicious meal in no time.

3. How to cook them?

Preparing pulses may seem daunting, but it's not. You just need to follow a few simple steps. Start by soaking them (except lentils) to reduce cooking time. Then, cook them according to the package instructions. You can use them in a variety of dishes, from salads to stews to creamy hummus . For example, try kidney beans in a vegetarian chili or chickpeas in a curry—they're delicious!

Some tips:

• Once cooked, freeze them so you always have some on hand!
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of soaking water to soften the peas during soaking and therefore speed up cooking time .
• Opt for pre-cooked legumes and enjoy them immediately after rinsing them well in water.

Legumes are nutritional gems that we should all include in our diets. Not only are they a great alternative to meat, but they're also convenient to store and delicious to cook. By making small changes to our eating habits, like always having legumes on hand, we can contribute to a healthier diet for ourselves and the planet :)