Should You Eat Pulses?

Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family.  Dry beans (kidney, lima, butter), dry peas, chickpeas and lentils are all pulses.  These plant foods are loaded with heart healthy protein, fiber, complex carbohydrate and vitamins as well as amino acids. They are also a very affordable plant protein source.  Studies published in Advances in Nutrition  and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that consumption of pulses can increase satiety (the sensation of fullness) and increase weight loss.  The slowly digestible carbohydrate and high fiber content can also assist with maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. Pulses provide a steady, slow burning energy. When cooking pulses, soak them for 4-8 hours to bring them back to life and activate their enzymes. It will reduce cooking time and make them more digestible. For those that have issues with gas, products such as Beano can also assist with digestion of pulses. So what are some of the nutritional values of a few pulses?

• Legumes-1 cup has 230 calories, 0 grams fat, 40 grams total carbohydrate, 18 grams protein, 731 mg Potassium, 36 % DV (daily value) Iron, 20% DV B6, 17% DV Magnesium and 5% DV Vitamin C.
• Green Peas-1 cup 118 calories, o grams  fat, 21 grams total carbohydrate, 8 grams protein, 354 mg Potassium, 22% DV Vitamin A, 96% DV Vitamin C, 11% DV Iron, 10% DV B6, 12% DV Magnesium.
• Pinto Beans-1 cup has 670 calories, 2.4 grams total fat, 121 grams total carbohydrate, 41 grams protein, 2688 mg Potassium, 21% DV Calcium, 20% DV Vitamin C, 54% DV Iron, 45% DV Vitamin B6, 85% DV Magnesium.

Pulses should be a part of everyone’s diet.  Loaded with Iron, B vitamins and fiber, they are heart healthy, assist with weight loss, can help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood glucose. They are affordable and readily available.  A great way to do a meatless Monday and reduce animal consumption.

Very Green Lentil Soup

From: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

Ingredients8 servings

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
2 large yellow onions, chopped
1¼ teaspoons salt, divided
2 tablespoons plus 4 cups water, divided
1 cup French green (Le Puy) or brown lentils
8 large green chard leaves
1 medium Yukon Gold potato, scrubbed
12 cups gently packed spinach (about 10 ounces), any tough stems trimmed
4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 cups vegetable broth, store-bought or homemade
2 cups chopped broccoli
1 tablespoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground (see Tip)
½ teaspoon ground coriander
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
½ jalapeño pepper, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
Crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Preparation
 
·       Active 1 h 5 m
·       Ready In 1 h 20 m

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onions and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add 2 tablespoons water and cover. Cook, stirring frequently until the pan cools down, and then occasionally, always covering the pan again, until the onions are greatly reduced and have a deep caramel color, 25 to 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, rinse lentils and pick out any small stones; combine the lentils with the remaining 4 cups water in a soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes. Trim the white ribs out of the chard; chop the greens and slice the ribs (keep in separate piles). Cut potato into ½ -inch dice. Chop spinach; set aside.
When the lentils have cooked for 20 minutes, stir in the chard ribs, potato, scallions, broth and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt; return to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Stir in the chard leaves, broccoli, cumin and coriander. When the onions are caramelized, stir a little of the simmering liquid into them; add them to the soup. Return to a simmer, cover and cook 5 minutes more. Stir in the reserved spinach, cilantro, mint, jalapeno and pepper; return to a simmer, cover and cook until the spinach is tender but still bright green, about 5 minutes more. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and add more lemon juice and/or pepper, if desired. Garnish each bowl of soup with a drizzle of olive oil and crumbled feta cheese.
·   Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

·   Tip: Toast cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Cool slightly. Grind to a fine powder in a spice mill, blender or clean coffee grinder.

Nutrition information

Serving size: 
about 1⅔ cups
Per serving: 181 calories; 4 g fat(1 g sat); 9 g fiber; 29 g carbohydrates; 9 g protein; 206 mcg folate; 0 mg cholesterol; 5 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 5,008 IU vitamin A; 28 mg vitamin C; 119 mg calcium; 5 mg iron; 535 mg sodium; 793 mg potassium
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (100% daily value), Folate (52% dv), Vitamin C (47% dv), Iron (28% dv)
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 1½ starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat