Hearty, Wholesome, Delicious
They are nutritional powerhouses. They make soups and stews hearty and satisfying. They are easy to prepare, incredibly versatile and 100% plant-based. We’re talking about pulses!
To tell us more about this tiny but wonderful little ingredient that packs a big nutritional punch, we caught up with Becky Garrison, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with USA Pulses—a non-profit organization that works with growers, processors, and sellers of dried peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas—to learn about the world of pulses and how they feed our potential.
Nourishing Benefits
Pulses may be tiny, but their resume is impressive! Becky (pictured) tells us that they deliver high levels of potassium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and iron. Another pulse plus: Fiber! A half-cup of pulses has four times the fiber of a half-cup of brown rice. Find out more on the blog.
Split Pea Avocado Mash Tostadas
Pulses are the star of so many recipes. Did you know pulses can be swapped for meat ingredients in many dishes? This tostada recipe from our partner USA Pulses is the perfect place to start with a hearty mix of mashed split peas, and avocados. Becky likes to go half-and-half with mashed lentils and ground meat. Make them your own!
Lentil Salsa
Looking to dive into more recipes using pulses? Hummus, bean, and lentil dips are all worthy destinations for sliced vegetables and whole-grain crackers. This lentil salsa delivers a fresh blend combining traditional salsa ingredients—from tomato to jalapeño—with a unique lentil base. In just a few minutes, you get a flavorful dip that packs a nutritional punch.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.
