Additional information
Packsize | 4/5 LB BAGS |
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Israeli couscous is also a type of pasta, but consists of granules that are much larger – about the size of small pearls. Made from wheat flour and semolina, Israeli couscous has a ball-like shape and is toasted, rather than dried, after the granules are formed. This process gives Israeli couscous a nuttier flavor and chewy bite that adds an unexpected touch to regional recipes.
French Green Lentils (Lens esculenta) are a hard-to-find Lentil that are a beautiful deep fall green. These lentils contain a seed coat and are 1/2 cm. wide with a mild, earthly flavor. The French Green Lentils texture is a bit firmer than most other lentils and hold their shape well when cooked. 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. Lentils have been eaten for over 8000 years and originated in Southwestern Asia along the Indus River. The are a staple food for many South Asian cultures.
Wheat Bran is an excellent source of natural food fiber. Our unprocessed bran is an excellent source of natural food fiber, and provides a healthy full-bodied texture when added to baked goods or sprinkled over soups, cereals or salads.
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.
Bulgur is made by soaking cooked whole wheat kernels (berries) which are then dried and part of the bran is removed. The remaining pieces are cracked into small pieces. Bulgar can be cooked and served as a grain or used in breads, soups, and even desserts.
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.