The United Nations has declared 2016 as the International Year of the Pulse!
What is a pulse you ask?
A pulse is the edible seed of a plant in the legume family. The most common pulses are dried peas, beans, lentils and chick peas. Why should you eat them this Valentine's Day (and on a regular basis)? Because they're good for you! Now you are probably thinking that dietitians say that all the time, right?
Well, it's true! They are good for you and you should also eat them because they taste great, they're inexpensive, easy to use and they are jam-packed with fibre, protein and iron, among other lesser-known nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, folate, and phosphorous.
The big deal about fibre these days (in this world of ultra-processed foods) is that most Canadians aren't eating enough of it! Pulses have two types of fibre – the one that promotes healthy digestion and regularity and the other type that helps to lower cholesterol levels and keep blood sugars in check. All of this in a measly, little old bean!
Here are a few ideas that might help you to put a little pulse into your diet:
- Toss chickpeas into a salad of greens and grains for a quick standalone meal.
- Add lentils to your soup or casserole to amp up the protein.
- Mash up some navy beans to use a dip for veggies for a fun snack.
- Puree black beans or kidney beans into your favorite cake or brownie for a low fat, high fibre alternative.
For more recipes and ideas visit Pulse Canada.
Looking for an idea for your loved ones this Valentine's Day? Try my recipe for Beany Brownies that will be sure to capture their hearts with its gentle sweetness and rich chocolate taste and, of course, the added pulse!
Beany Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp of water
- 2/3 cup flour (I use a combination of whole wheat, whole grain and white flours)
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- ½ cup of your favorite fat (canola oil or melted butter, margarine, or coconut oil)
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9" x 9" square baking pan.
- Puree the black beans with 2 tbsp of water.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar.
- Mix the vanilla and black beans into the egg mixture.
- Add your fat.
- Mix in the dry ingredients until blended.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
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