What Food Is In The Cupboard? Part 4 Of 5

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Your food cupboard at home is the life blood of your kitchen. Is your cupboard killing your meals. Find out how to give your cupboard a new lease of life..

I am the first to admit that I am at time unsure just what to do with pulses. So come with me on a tour of the shop aisle today to discover pulses, dried fruits and nuts.

PULSES

Beans, chickpeas and lentils are know as pulses. They are a good, economical source of protein. They can be purchased in a dried form or in cans. If using dried pulses you will need to soak them, by using the canned ones it cuts out this soaking process and makes them an instant convenience food. Buy dried pulses in small quantities, from a source that has a quick turnover to ensure freshness. The longer you keep dried pulses the longer you will need to cook them because they toughen with age. Store dry pulses in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Haricot beans

One of the most versatile pulses, they are a white, medium sized bean. Can be used in casserole dishes and stews. The best known of the haricot beans are baked beans.

Chickpeas

These are a beige, round bean known as the main ingredient in hummus. Often mashed and served with meat or fish. And I like the nutty flavor they add to stews.

Lentils

These are those little oval shaped beans that come in yellow, red, green, grey and brown. They take little cooking time and the dried variety do not need soaking.

Butter beans

With a lovely buttery flavor these are a large, flat, white bean. Can be used in soups or pureed with some herbs.

Cannellini beans

Popular in Italian cooking, they are a large, oval, white bean. Used in minestrone soup, hot pasta dishes and cold in salads.

Flageolet beans

A small, delicate, pale green bean often served in salads. These are also the beans that are traditionally served hot with lamb.

Red Kidney Beans

We could not go, without mentioning the favorite mexican bean. This is the bean used in chili con carne and in refried beans.

GRAINS

Now, with instant forms, they are easy to use and a delicious alternative. Keep grains in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 18 months.

Couscous

I must say I am a huge fan of couscous. It is a fine grained semolina made from durum flour. It has a mild flavor but a nutty texture. It is great served as an accompaniment instead of rice.

Polenta

It is a fine granular cornmeal. It can be serve hot like mashed potato or cooked into a slice and served grilled.

DRIED FRUITS

Many fruits are now available dried and can be used in a wide range of savory and dessert recipes. They are also a healthy snack food alternative and can be added to muesli for breakfast.. Dried fruits will keep for several months. Once the packet is opened store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

The tradition dried fruits include currants; sultanas; raisins; prunes; apricots; dates. But now when you look in your store you will be delighted to also be able to find pears; peaches; apples; figs; bananas; cherries; cranberries; blueberries; mangoes; papaya; pineapples.

NUTS

Nuts are a great thing to keep in the cupboard. They are fantastic to add in stir fries and desserts. Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Only buy in small quantities as there shelf life is generally only 2 to 3 months.

Walnuts

These are a little bitter but are good in both salads and stuffings. Walnuts are a fantastic accompaniment with blue cheese.

Almonds

These nuts often accompany chicken and are used a lot in desserts like crumbles and flans.

Pine kernels

These are actually the kernels of pine cones. With a sweet flavor these are wonderful tossed in salads or rice dishes. For a stronger flavor they can be dry fried or grilled until golden brown.

Cashew nuts

Cashews must be one of the most preferred eating nuts, with a sweet flavor and soft, crunchy texture. They are also often used in Asian dishes, added towards the end of cooking to maintain their flavor.

Chestnuts

Many people like these freshly roasted - though I must say I don't see the appeal. They are popular at Christmas time in stuffings. Chestnuts are often used in dessert recipes, generally with chocolate.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts also known as cob nuts are small, round nuts, which are usually used in cakes, pastries and desserts.

Peanuts

They can be ground to form the basis of a satay sauce. Peanuts are best bought roasted or salted and can be used in salads and stir-fries.

Pistachio nuts

These are one of my favorite eating nuts. You can buy them salted in their shells (for snacks) and also unsalted and shelled, which are the most useful for cooking. They are used in pates, stuffings and as a colorful garnish.

Happy Cooking
Francis Chang

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