Lentils and pulses though overshadowed as key ingredients in several meals across the globe including Indian transform a plain dal to numerous flavourful curries, are a bowl of protein that should not be missed in a healthy plant-based diet. But if you have ever visited the Indian store, you can imagine how it feels with the thousands of types of lentils and pulses they have outside. Well, how do you make sure that you selected the best quality of lentils and pulses?
Whether you are a professional chef who wants to prepare some actual Indian dishes or a simple home cook who is trying new recipes, these will be very concrete tips on how to choose the best lentils and pulses in your favor from the Indian grocery store where you shop. And if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, you can order Indian grocery online and still get the same quality delivered right to your doorstep.
1. Learn How to Choose Lentils and Pulses
Before you decide to search for a local Indian grocery, you ought to catch a tune on different types of lentils and pulses in the world. Their flavors, textures, and cooking times vary, so choosing the one right for a dish is essential. Here are some lentils and pulses that you will probably come across quite commonly:
Masoor Dal (Red Lentils): Quick to cook lentils with a mild, earthy flavor; suited well for creamy dals and soups.
Toor Dal (Yellow Pigeon Pea): Sweet and nutty flavor, toor dal is popularly used in Indian homes, especially in sambhar in South India.
Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas): A bit firmer compared to other lentils; adds texture to curries and stews. A good choice for heartier meals.
Moong Dal (Split Green Gram): Easily adaptable; used in soups, curries, and desserts. When cooked, moong dal is soft, and good for the stomach.
Urad Dal (Black Gram): Very commonly used lentil to prepare idli and dosa batters and also for thick dals. Very earthy and creamy when cooked; urad dal comes close.
Being conversant with the types of lentils and pulses will help enlighten and choose properly at the grocery store.
2. Product Freshness
One of the most important aspects of the selection of good quality lentils and pulses is their freshness. Fresh lentils stay evenly cooked, taste better, and make dishes more colorful.
Here is how to assess freshness while shopping:
Color Check: The good quality lentils and pulses should have bright and uniform colors. For example, red lentils should be bright orange and green lentils should attractively green. Encountering dull or uneven colors might signify that the lentils are stale or have been exposed to moisture.
Cracks and damage: Some slight checking is normal; however, avoid lentils that are overly cracked or show signs of insect damage. These may be beyond their prime or have been improperly stored.
Foreign Articles: Sometimes, lentils and pulses may contain small stones or other debris inside them. Though this mostly concerns bulk bins, packaged items can also contain impurities. Thus, they should be inspected carefully for unwanted particles.
Smell: If possible, take a sniff. Fresh lentils should smell neutral or maybe slightly nutty. A musty or sour odor means that lentils have probably been exposed to moisture and are now stale.
3. Go for Organic Whenever Possible
Choosing organic lentils and pulses is a great way to be assured that the product is free from harmful pesticides or chemicals. In fact, organic products are grown under stricter guidelines, and many Indian stores supply them as options.
While they are a bit more expensive, the health and peace of mind you will enjoy are very much worth the investment. "Besides, they support sustainable farming practices."
4. Buy in Bulk for Value
If you cook with lentils and pulses frequently, buying them in bulk will save you a lot of time and money. Most Indian grocery stores have bulk bins where you can scoop out as much or as little as you need. You could also look closely at the quality when purchasing in bulk.
Here is why buying in bulk can be a good choice:
Cost-effective: You generally get a better price for per pound when you purchase in bulk quantities. This, in turn, is very reasonable and you can stock up on your favorite varieties of lentils and pulses that otherwise might be highly unaffordable.
Less packaging: Bulk buying reduces the amount of plastic and packaging involved, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Quantity as per your requirement: From small recipes to long-term stock, bulk purchase opens the door for buying as much or as little of an item that one may want.
For those who love shopping online, there are many websites through which one can purchase bulk lentils and pulses. It is very easy to order Indian grocery online, which, on the other hand, enables one to enjoy the benefit of bulk shopping while sitting at home.
5. Packaging and Seals Should Be Clean
If you are buying your lentils and pulses prepackaged, make sure that the packaging isn't broken in some way. Let the seals and packages be undisturbed and unbroken without any indication of tearing, holes, or accumulation of moisture inside the package. Lentils and pulses turn rancid when they are left in the open air while moisture exposure could make them spoil or become moldy.
Also, make sure that the packaging is tightly sealed and check if it is well labeled. Check for the best-by or expiration date so you get the freshest. This would be important since, though dried lentils and pulses mostly have a long shelf life, they can lose flavor and texture after a very long time.
6. Store Properly to Keep It for a Long
After having your lentils and pulses, proper storage after purchase ensures they remain fresh for a long time and retain their quality. Here is how you can store them:
Use Airtight Containers: Immediately transfer the lentils and pulses into airtight containers once the seal of a package has been broken. This will keep off moisture and pests.
Store in a cool, dry place: Your lentils and pulses should be kept in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight and moisture. Too much moisture may cause them to spoil much faster.
Label the Containers: When you have many varieties of lentils and pulses, it will save you a lot of bother if you label the containers with the name and date of purchase. This way, you may know how fresh they are and will not confuse them.
Following these storage tips, your lentils and pulses will be preserved for many months in their fresh state to use whenever you want in recipes.
7. Try Different Types
Don't be afraid to come out of your comfort zone and try newer varieties of lentils and pulses, each with a different taste, texture, and nutritional profile to your meals. For instance, adding black lentils-urad dal to your pantry will give an edge to your dal makhani, while experimentation with moong dal might introduce you to new ways of making healthy soups or dals.
If you remain perplexed as to which variety to try next, just ask around at your nearby Indian grocery store or quickly go online to find new recipes. The more you explore, the richer it will make your culinary experiences.
Conclusion
Deciding on the best lentils and pulses doesn't have to be confusing. If you know what type, freshness, and organic or bulk options you are looking for, you will definitely get better quality products to your kitchen. Whether in-store shopping or using Indian grocery delivery will give better choices to cook nicer food and make cooking more fun. Indian Cooking #indian Desi Spices Green Cardamom Powder 3oz - Pure & Fresh #food
So the next time you step into that Indian grocery store or browse online, here are some things to remember. Happy browsing and the many delicious dishes you will be able to make with good lentils and pulses!