HELLO 2016.
You know how it goes, there’s always an IT, MUST TRY, OR YOU’RE NOT COOL food of the year? Like remember when kale was THE thing? And acai was a nearly magical, unattainable fruit? And of course, you must have had a wheat grass moment, no?
Well let me introduce you to the superfood of 2016, k: pulses.
Wait huh…???
Pulses, guys are like chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, & beans.
They also happen to be the most inexpensive proteins AROUND. You heard that right, lentils are freaking 10 cents to quinoa’s 59 cents or beef’s $1.49. WHOA ( apparently I’m full of facts today ).
Here’s another weird-ass, random fact: people are using them in smoothies, main dishes, AND EVEN in ice cream.
Try first before you judge.
Here’s why I’m in love with this hot, sexy superfood:
♡ they’re loaded with protein, fiber ( << great if you wanna keep things moving—- wink, wink ), vitamins, & minerals.
♡ pulses have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease & diabetes, lower blood pressure & cholesterol, ANDDDD help with weight loss.
♡ the fiber thing is BIG because that’s linked with weight loss & feeling fuller.
♡ pulses have more antioxidants than blueberries or pomegranate juice.
♡ …AND GUESS WHAT? They’re considered a protein AND a vegetable.
My favorite part of this superfood is it’s also kind of a SUPERHERO. Why? Because it will play an intense, life-changing role in meeting future food needs for people who need more food supply.
I’m in.
My favorite ways to eat these superfoods:
I’m kind of obsessed with steaming spinach & then adding cooked lentils with raw goat cheese, lemon, & chile flake. THIS IS SO GOOD, & SO EASY. Lentils are in my fridge pretty much all the time.
Chickpeas= bombass hummus. If you follow me on Snapchat ( username is laurynevarts ) then you know we made fresh hummus the other day. Seriously tastes SO much better than store bought crap.
As far as dry peas: cook them & add them to pastas, salads, or soups!
Lastly, I love adding the beans to organic sausage, kale, & white bean soup. Literally insane. Here’s my favorite recipe:
White Bean Kale Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 large carrots, finely diced
3 large celery sticks, diced
1 1/2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 cups of white beans
1 to 2 bunches kale, stems removed & roughly chopped
52 oz. good quality low-sodium chicken stock or bone broth
Pink Himalayan sea salt
Ground pepper
Little bit of chile flakes
Meyer lemon
A sprinkle of Gruyere cheese
+ Directions: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, & bay leaves. Add some kosher salt & cook until vegetables begin to soften for about 10 minutes. Add garlic & organic white beans, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add kale, & cook until it becomes a bit wilted. Add chicken stock, season with salt & pepper. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat & leave it at simmer for about 45 minutes. Cool soup completely & then refrigerate it for the following day. Sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese, lemon, & chile flakes & broil for 2 minutes, until cheese is melted. YUMMMM.
MMM, MMMM, mmmm— HELLO HEAVEN RIGHT.
Next time I whip this soup up, I’ll take some pictures. For the record, Michael slurps this down like his pork ramen ( you get it if you watch Snapchat ).
Anyway, what’s your favorite superfood & why?
Really, I feel like kale is kind of 2014 now, HA! Lentils are key.
Until next time, lauryn x
+ research via USA Pulses & Pulse Canada.
I’ll definitely be making that soup soon. Thanks for the recipe!
Love how affordable and healthy these superfoods are!
Hi Michelle, definitely try it! If you do send me a picture! And tag me!! xx
I do love a good lentil stew, so loving that finally its a cheap superfood kind of year.
Seriously! Superfoods are always way too expensive. I’m so excited about these! Pulses all the wayyy! xx
Fun fact, you can actually do meringues of chickpeas
WHAT?? This sounds amazing. Will you send me the recipe/instructions? I have to check this out. xx
Great post!
I enjoy these superfoods as well. I have started eating more beans recently. Your recipe looks really good, I’ll give it a try!
Have a nice day!
Smiles,
Maia.
Hi Maia, let me know what you think of the recipe if you make it. You can tag @TSCBombshellBody too! I am reposting a ton of pictures on that account :)) xx
How do you cook lentils?! I keep trying and fuxking them up HUGE each time. Like burn to the bottom of the pot huge. Im looking for quick and easy so I know you’re my girl. Help! 🙂
Hi Jamie! Oh no! Are you sure you’re following instructions correctly? It’s 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. They enlarge bit time so make sure its a big enough pot. Check out this post as well: http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/lentils-common-mistakes
OMG my roommates in college and I would put chick peas on/in EVERYTHING…we started calling them chic peas. So lame. But seriously they’re the best.
http://www.theclydescope.com
Wait, I love that idea! I am totally going to call them chic peas from now on. Thats what they are!! Thanks Carly <3
Yes! I’ve always been huge on pulses (although didn’t realize that was their name!). I love em cause they’re so cheap, super high in protein (which is great for a non-meat eater), and amazing in soups and salads. definitely gonna try out your white bean soup recipe!
Hi Beverley, they are literally a win, win, win all around! Let me know what you think of the soup! xx
I love every kind of bean and lentil! Not to mention chickpeas. I mean who doesn’t love hummus?! I think these have been my superfoods for years. The bean salad sounds really good 🙂
LOVE hummus, so yummy! xx
LOVE !!! Thanks for the recipe too! My fiance’s sweet grandmother makes this amaaaazing healthy pizza crust for me from chickpeas. It’s SO good and crisps up in the oven so nicely. And you’re so right on hummus! Way easy to make and better than any from the store.
Can you please share you recipe for hummus? Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth, I will I promise. It’s coming soon! xx
Apparenly I love pulses, I just didn’t know there was a name for them! I love making lentil chili with a variety of beans. Thanks for sharing!
xo Annie
http://www.laircake.com
Love me some lentils great post! Would love to also see a post on some of your favorite NutriBullet recipes! Just got one and I’m super obsessed, the ones on your Snaps always look BOMBBB 🙂
Hi Hunter, okay definitely will do this! I make a ton of smoothies in the nutribullet. Here is one of my favorites: https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com/get-ready-to-get-nostalgic-because-orange-julius/
You have to try Lauren Conrad’s “healthy protein cookie dough” made with chickpeas. It’s to die for: https://laurenconrad.com/blog/2014/08/recipe-box-healthy-protein-cookie-dough-ilana-saul-no-bake/
Hi Diana, these sound amazing! I’ve made a couple of her recipes, but protein cookie dough??? TOO GOOD. Here are the recipes I’ve made of hers: https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com/?s=lauren+conrad
In my country (Lebanon) we eat a ton of pulses! Check this recipe for : http://hommuswtabbouli.blogspot.com/2007/09/adas-bi-hamoud-chards-and-lentil-soup.html
It’s Lebanese style lentils and lemon soup, sooo good !!!
XoXo,
Tamara
LOVE this. Want to try this recipe!! YUM, Tamara!
Yes, yes, yes! Funny, because I just posted about lentils too (but had no idea the name pulses!) so I am obvs on this train – In all honesty, Lentil Soup literally has been my lifesaver in getting me back to normal with this damn jetlag that’s hitting me like a ton of bricks (way more than just being tired – my whole body is out of whack). They are seriously a super-food that totally lives up to the name!
I NEVER ever ever thought about putting it into my smoothies or ice-cream – but it makes total sense. In fact, when we were in Fiji last week, before the main course, they would bring out a sorbet. Some were fruit, but a lot were vegetable sorbets. They were interesting but delicious and super refreshing / palate cleansing & a fun twist from a salad. Would be super interesting to start applying that with lentils. The one that really stands out to me was the sea-salt, tomato & basil one that you can easily throw some lentils in.
Anyways, I am totally down with this superfood – & totally over wheat grass. I remember I tried juicing it once and it was just a disaster to say the least. Plus, that plant is expensive! xx SS
Hi Shannon, that is so crazy that lentils helped with jet lag. It definitely makes sense! Next time I travel I’m bringing pulses for sure! lol!! Thank you for reading <3
Are you using dried or canned/already cooked beans in your recipe?
You can do either!
Yum and I thought all last year this year would be matcha haha! Thanks for sharing xo C
I love chickpeas so so much! They are so filling and versatile! Hands down, my favorite superfood has to be dark berries, especially blueberries. I could not have a weekday breakfast without them 🙂
Hi Jessie, I am addicted to blueberries too! Any berries actually. Have you tried dark chocolate stuffed raspberries? SO good.
The white bean kale soup sounds SO good! <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
Love that white bean soup recipe! Have a post on some recipes from the Food Lover’s Cleanse up that for sure include “sexy super foods”
Omg for once I am on trend! I’m literally eating a lentil wrap while reading this post. I’ve been having the same wrap everyday this week it’s so good, simple and cheap: lentils, hummus, salsa and bell peppers on a wrap, and stole your trick and have been having it with mint tea. Thanks for the great information!
First of all.. LOVE the spoons & glasses you have! But also, I’m curious as well to see how these take off in the upcoming year. I’m already seeing so many recipes for white bean soups!
HMMMM. I’m not a bean person but I’d def be open to trying these… and at least Ill be in the loop (thanks for letting me hear it here first!).
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Ah I love chickpeas! Such a great source of protein. I recently posted a chickpea recipe!!
Wonderfulandwhimsical.com
I absolutely love pulses, seriously a staple in my pantry, and apparently you can make chocolate mousse with them!!! Insane xx
Yess, so happy I’m on to this trend already, though I didn’t know about the name “pulses!” Chickpeas are my absolute go-to when I can’t/don’t want to have chicken or fish, and I’m getting much more into lentils as well. Are you a fan of edamame (soybeans)? They’re a complete protein so they’re also great if you’re into going plant-based sometimes! xx
Lentils make me lose weight..chickpeas make me gain 3 lbs a day its the fiber
SOUNDS REALLY SUUUPER GOOD …
Hi, I saw the comment response that you can use either cooked or dry beans. But the amount would be different if dry vs. cooked. Which did you personally use for this recipe amount? 🙂 Thank you!
Yum! This sounds delicious! Some of my favourite ingredients in one great bowl! 🙂