Additional information
Packsize | 10 LB |
---|
Spanish Pardina Lentils(Lens esculenta) have been eaten for over 8000 years. Lentils originated in Southwestern Asia along the Indus River. They are a staple food for many South Asian cultures. The Latin word for lentil, lens, was used in the 17th century to describe eye glasses. This is because of the similarity in shape between the legume and an eyeglass lens. Lentils are the seed of a small shrub. Lentils do not require soaking. Simmer 1 cup lentils with 4 cups water 12 minutes for salads, 20 to 25 minutes for main dishes. Skim the water while cooking, drain. One cup dry yields 2-1/4 cups cooked.
Packsize | 10 LB |
---|
The quick cooking and nutritious nature of lentils make them an obvious choice for winter soups. They are also good cooked and chilled for salads or mixed with bread crumbs to stuff vegetables. Blend lentils with middle eastern couscous and use as a bed for seafood or poultry.
Corn is the only grain whose origin can be traced to the Americas. When Christopher Columbus landed in modern day Cuba some of his crew went inland and came across maize. Corn was then brought back to Europe. In Italy Corn is most often served as Polenta. This dish comes from the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy. Polenta can carry many different flavors and is a filling, nutritious dish. Fine Polenta has a slightly less coarse grind than traditional Polenta and has a shorter cooking time.
Although frequently considered and eaten as a grain, couscous is a small pasta made from semolina wheat. Most commonly associated with Moroccan cuisine, couscous is enjoyed throughout Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Due to its quick preparation and health benefits, the popularity of this dish is quickly growing in other parts of the world as well. Whether it is prepared as sweet or savory, couscous is quick, easy to use, and nutritious. Similar to rice, couscous is as versatile as the dish it is served with or can be easily spiced to suit any recipe.
Black Eyed Peas (Vigna Unguiculata) are related to the Mung Bean. These beans are medium sized cream colored beans with a ‘Black Eye’ on the inner curve of the bean. Black Eyed Peas are about 3/8 long and have a sweet, mild pea-like flavor and firm texture. The Black Eyed Pea absorbs the flavors of a dish very well. Also referred to as a Black Eyed bean, Cow Pea, Field Pea, Tonkin Pea, China Pea, Marble Pea, Brown Eyed Pea, Jerusalem Pea, Black Eyed Suzy and Lobhia.This bean is believed to have originated in Eastern Asia. It was brought to the Americas with the African slave trade. Black Eyed Beans were a staple of many plantation diets. Eaten on New Year’s Day, Black Eyed Beans are thought to bring good luck for the following year.
Suggested Use:
This fast cooking legume lends itself to many recipes. It mixes well with a variety of greens, including Okra, Collard and Swiss Chard. Hoppin’ John is a traditional souther recipe using this bean.
Basic Prep:
Soak overnight. Rinse and place in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring water to a boil for 3 minutes, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes until tender. Do not over stir or the soft skins can be damaged. One cup dry yields 2 cups cooked.
Polenta can be made from white or yellow cornmeal (the most common) and the taste is fairly similar. However, the texture can vary from coarse or finely-ground and the preference is purely personal. A finely-ground white polenta would usually be served with fish, while a coarse yellow polenta would complement a dish of hearty game or meat.
The traditional Valencia rice, round short grain ‘Paella Rice’from Valencia (used to make paella). It is characterized by its great capacity of absorption and the creamy texture of the grain after being cooked. A perfect choice for typical Mediterranean dishes as rissoto, rice dishes.