Category: Legumes, pulses

Also known as haricots, pearl haricots and navy beans, cannellini beans are creamy-white, kidney-shaped beans. Canned cannellini beans are readily available in supermarkets and need only rinsing and draining before adding to cooking, but try precooking dried beans for a nuttier flavour and more texture than the slightly ‘fluffy’ canned beans (see Pluses of pulses

2016 has been named the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. The UN doesn’t have a food for every year — the last time was in 2013, which was the International Year of Quinoa. That seemed to catapult quinoa into the consciousness of everyone in the world, not to mention into a rash

Try eating a couple of meals a week using pulses – they're packed with protein and excellent for digestive health. Pulses are the edible dried seeds of certain plants from the legume family, the most common being chickpeas, lentils, peas and beans. 2016 is the International Year of Pulses. declared by the United Nations to

Chickpeas are a wonderfully versatile, nutrition-packed staple that are an easy and affordable addition to any meal. Whip them into hummus, toss into stews and salads, or roast with spices for a fibre-rich snack. Eaten hot or cold, chickpeas are a good source of soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol. Full of protein, they are also an

Q: "I’m keen to cook with my crockpot and I would like to use dried beans. I’ve heard, however, beans aren’t safe to cook in the crockpot. Is that true? Dried beans are much cheaper than canned beans!" Suzanne A: Dried beans are great to have on hand and they are super-cheap. But we do

Q: "Why is it nearly impossible to find good quality dried beans that have not been heat-treated? I have bought some in the past year from various retailers (chickpeas, red kidney beans and haricot beans) and they have been an odd colour, as well as being impossible to cook to a state of tenderness. Why

Q: "I am unable to eat lentils or beans of any sort. I can eat chickpeas, and I wonder, can I use chickpeas instead of lentils in stews/soups/casseroles?" Sharron Ward A: You can replace lentils with chickpeas in most recipes. They don't have the same taste or texture as lentils, but they will work just

Baked beans are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre. And they are versatile. Try these ideas for a tasty change. Choose salt-reduced baked beans for a healthier option. 1.  Breakfast scramble Scramble some eggs with baked beans for a breakfast that will keep you full all morning. 2.  Stick with soup Add flavour

Everything you need to know about that nutritional powerhouse, the humble legume. Dried beans – also known as pulses or legumes – got a bad rap in the '70s and '80s, when they were consigned to the kitchens of hippies, greenies and student flats. They were feared by meat lovers and dreaded by small children.

Quick and easy ways to enjoy these healthy legumes. Make a curry Cook 2 crushed cloves garlic, 1 chopped onion, 1 teaspoon cumin and 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder in a little olive oil for 1-2 minutes. Add 1 can tomatoes, 1 can drained chickpeas and 500g chopped kumara. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat