Sunday 10 January 2016

International Year of Pulses (IYP)


Did you know that 2016 is the United Nations International Year of Pulses (IYP)? No? Nor me until today! But how cool is that? A whole year devoted to pulses. It has even got its own hashtag - #IYP2016 

The IYP has been launched to increase the awareness of the general public of the benefits associated with pulses. This includes nutrition, sustainable food production and working towards securing food for the future. Did you know that pulses can improve soil fertility and promote biodiversity?

So what food is included? Pulses are part of the legume family which include edible beans, dried peas, lentils and chickpeas, all of which are nutritional powerhouses! Low in fat, high in fibre and B vitamins, a good source of iron and a great source of protein.

To celebrate the launch of IYP, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have even created a short video highlighting the benefits of pulses. Food Tank have put together a list of how individuals can get involved too and celebrate the IYP2016. You can check out there list here. One way is to pledge eating pulses 1 day a week for ten weeks so to help I've put together my collection of pulse recipes, 30 in total. 








Bean Dhal                                                        Bean Potato Cake

Black Bean & Spinach Chilli                            Black Bean Fajitas

Borlotti Bean Hash                                                Butternut Squash & Lentil Curry

Cabbage Rolls                                                 Chickpea & Lentil Tacos

Chickpea Oatcake                                           Chilli Non Carne

Courgette & Lentil Roast                             Falafels

Five Bean Tacos                                             Hodmedod Chilli

Houmous                                                         Kale & Lentil Roast

Leek, Kale & Butterbean Soup                       Lentil Stuffed Mushrooms



Refried Back Badger Peas                             Three Lentil Soup

I hope you enjoy some of the above dishes during the International Year of Pulses

Jasmine x


4 comments:

  1. I LOVE that it's International year of the pulse. I was a bit of a pulse avoider for a long time only really eating chickpeas or red lentils but in the last couple of years I've broadened my horizons and I eat tons these days. I've even ventured into dried ones as well as canned. What a fab array of recipes you've got there!

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    1. Thanks Caroline! I too had to 'get to like' pulses but now I couldn't be without them! Whenever I cook dried I cook more than I need and freeze the rest, great for those days when you need something quick!

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  2. You have enlightened me! I did not know the humble 'pulse' has its own entire year!! The photos and recipes you shared here look so delish! I'll check them out for sure.

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  3. Hope your well, haven't heard from you a while. PS This is a fantastic selection of Pulse recipes, I am eyeing up your Lentil Loaves - will have to make them.

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Thanks for leaving a comment, Jasmine x