3 Easy Steps to Cook Split Peas

  1. Rinse split peas with water—no need to soak!
  2. Combine split peas and water, bring to a boil.
    For every cup of split peas, use 2 cups of water.
  3. Simmer for 35–40 minutes.

TIP: ½ cup dry = 1 cup cooked

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3 Easy Steps to Cook Beans

*Note: Canned beans are already cooked. Just drain, rinse, & use!

  1. Soak your beans.
    Traditional Soak: Pour enough cool water over beans to cover completely. Soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain soaking water and rinse beans with cool water.
    Quick Soak: Place 1 cup of beans in a large pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes then remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain soaking water and rinse beans in cool water.
  2. Combine 1 cup beans with 2 cups water and bring to a boil.
    For every cup of beans, use 2 cups of water.
  3. Simmer on low for 1–2 hours. Note that larger beans (Lima or fava) may take longer to cook.

TIP: ½ cup dry = 1 cup cooked

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Pile of beans

3 Easy Steps to Cook Chickpeas

*Note: Canned chickpeas are already cooked. Just drain, rinse, and use!

  1. Soak your chickpeas.
    Overnight Soak: Use three cups of cold water for each cup of chickpeas,
    let stand for 8–24 hours and drain.
    Quick Soak: Use three cups of cold water for each cup of chickpeas,
    boil 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover and let stand for one hour, drain.
  2. Combine chickpeas and water, bring to a boil.
    For every cup of chickpeas, use 3 cups of water.
  3. Simmer for 1.5–2 hours.

TIP: ½ cup dry = 1 cup cooked

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3 Easy Steps to Cook Lentils

  1. Rinse lentils with water—no need to soak!
  2. Combine lentils and water, bring to a boil.
    For every cup of lentils, use 2.5 cups of water.
  3. Most types of lentils need to simmer for 20–40 minutes until tender. Some types of lentils (like split red lentils) only take 5–10 minutes.

TIP: ½ cup dry = 1 cup cooked

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How To Store Pulses

image How To Store Pulses (292 KB)

Pantry:

Dry Pulses:

A collection of dry pulses in jars

Store Time: Up to 1 year

If stored for longer, pulses may require longer cooking times to soften

Canned Pulses (Sealed):

Four cans of pulses

Store Time: Several Years

Refrigerator:

Salads:

Three sealable containers with pulse-based salads

Store Time: Up to 3 Days

Stored in a sealed, airtight container

Canned or Cooked Pulses (Opened):

Two sealable containers with pulses

Store Time: Up to 5 Days

Sealed in airtight container in cooking liquid or covered with water

Soups, Chili, and Curries:

Three sealable containers with soups, chilis and curries

Store Time: Up to 5 Days

Stored in a sealed, airtight container

Freezer:

Cooked Pulses:

A collection of small sealable containers full of cooked pulses

Store Time: 6 Months

After pulses have cooled completely, drain any excess liquid and store in single-serving portions in sealed, airtight containers or freezer bags

Soups, Chili, and Curries:

Three sealable containers with soups, chilis and curries

Store Time: 3-6 Months

Store in sealed, airtight containers