Celebrate World Legume Day with the versatility of pulses
5 February 2026
10 February is all about pulses: little powerhouses packed with flavour, protein and fibre. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, beans and capuchins are not only healthy and nutritious, but also enormously versatile. Think chickpeas that can be made into burgers or hummus, lentils that add spice to salads or stews and beans that give a delicious filling to a dish.
Why pulses deserve a place on your plate
Legumes are real all-rounders in the kitchen. They provide plant proteins, fibre, vitamins and minerals. All ingredients that contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. Moreover, legumes are a sustainable choice within a more plant-based diet.
Putting pulses on the table more often
You can buy pulses in different forms. Canned or jarred, they can be put on the table quickly and easily. Or opt for extra flavour and texture by getting them dried. Dried pulses are best soaked beforehand. This makes them softer and easier to digest.
Vary with pulses more often and try one of these recipes below from Veggipedia.
Lentil soup
This lentil soup is a delicious and colourful classic that you put on the table in a hurry. The combination of red lentils, soup vegetables, potato, pepper and even a little apple gives the soup a smooth, slightly sweet flavour. Thanks to the lentils, this dish is filling and perfect for cold days!
Vegetable bowl with chickpeas and hummus
This colourful bowl combines creamy hummus with crunchy vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, a perfect booster in your meal! This recipe is ideal for lunch or light supper and contains a generous portion of vegetables.
Creamy peas
Peas are little green balls with a fresh, sweet flavour and beautiful colour, making them ideal for incorporating into light, easy dishes. In this recipe, they get a creamy twist with the addition of mild cream, fresh mint and subtly sautéed spring onion. The result? A simple but tasty side dish or light meal that can be on the table within 15 - 20 minutes, while showing how versatile pulses like peas can be in the kitchen. Perfect for those who want to eat healthy without compromising on flavour!
Couscous with kohlrabi and chickpeas
Looking for a delicious, nutritious and surprisingly tasty meal? Then this couscous dish with kohlrabi and chickpeas is a perfect choice. The combination of full flavours like ras el hanout and cumin, the soft bite of couscous and the rich texture of chickpeas makes for a dish that is not only filling, but also keeps surprising.
Brown bean dish with spicy white cabbage
Looking for a heart-warming and nutritious main dish perfect for the cold months? This brown bean dish with spicy white cabbage is a tasty combination of pulses and seasonal vegetables that is quick to put on the table. The brown beans form a hearty base full of vegetable protein and fibre, while the white cabbage and leeks provide a fresh bite and extra vegetables on your plate.
