Nutrition in Winter: Cooking with Beans and Pulses
Through our Nutrition in Winter campaign, we are sharing our favourite recipes and tips and tricks for preparing warming, healthy meals for yourself or your family.
Whether you are cooking on a budget or looking to try something new this winter, pulses, including beans, peas and lentils, can be a great choice to help you bulk out your meals, eat healthily and save money. They are also a great meat substitute and can be added to a range of vegetarian dishes, ensuring those of us who are vegetarian or vegan or want a meat-free meal maintain a balanced diet.
What are pulses?
Pulses include beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas and can be enjoyed on their own or as an accompaniment to other items within a dish. Not only are they high in protein and fibre, but they also contain vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which help to boost our immune system.
As one of the highest-fibre foods, pulses contain a mix of proteins and fibre, which are digested slowly, helping you feel fuller for longer.
How can I incorporate beans and pulses into my winter dishes?
There are many ways to cook with beans and pulses, as these can be added to a range of soups, chilli, and curry dishes. These winter warmer dishes are packed full of healthy vegetables and beans, giving us the nutrients needed to sustain us throughout the colder months.
This week, Emilio Pascucci, Head Chef at Astbury Manor Care Home in Bracknell and Tomasz Milewski, Head Chef at Droitwich Mews Care Home in Droitwich Spa, are sharing their favourite vegetarian recipes. Have a read of these below:
| Star Anise Plum Sesame Crumble with Chantilly Cream
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