Grain

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.

Farro is an unhybridized ancestor of modern wheat. It has a hearty, nutty flavor and has been grown throughout Europe for centuries. Today, with renewed interest in traditional and organic foods, farro is featured on the menus of many of the best restaurants in Italy and is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. Farro is a cereal grain. Unlike wheat, the farro husk adheres to the grain, just as in barley and oats. Its fiber content is therefore high and so are its nutrients. Vitamin E, an antioxidant important to health and disease resistance, is prevalent in farro. Protein content is high also and when combined with legumes, it forms a complete protein source.

Chana Dal (Pisum Sativum) are small peas which are peeled and cut in half. This type of Legume dates from 6000 BCE and have been found buried with Egyptian mummies. They were brought to India by the Greeks and are now an important staple food in South Asia.
Suggested Use:

When cooked they lose their shape and are excellent for thickening soups and stews. Typically used with curry, they can be seasoned with many different herbs.
Basic Prep:

Rinse 1 cup of dry peas in several changes of cold water, until water runs clear. Cover with unsalted water, bring to boil over medium-high heat, cook for 25-30 minutes until peas are tender but still firm. One cup dry yields 2 cups cooked.

Black Lentils are a very popular legume in South Asia, they are used to make a beautiful black lentil soup. Black Beluga Lentils are 1/2 cm. wide with a mild, earthly flavor and soft texture. This tiny lens shaped pulse has traditionally been used as a meat substitute (A pulse is the dried seed of any legume, such as beans and peas). Lentils are the seed of a small shrub and are dried after harvesting.
Suggested Use:

The quick cooking and nutritious nature of lentils make them an obvious choice for winter soups. They’re delicious in chilled vegetable salads, or mix with bread crumbs, minced onion and garlic to stuff roasted red peppers or eggplant.
Basic Prep:

Lentils do not require soaking. Simmer 1 cup lentils with 4 cups water 12 minutes for salads, 20 to 30 minutes for main dishes, drain. Skim the water while cooking. One cup dry yields 2 cups cooked.