Our appetite tends to decrease a lot during the summer season as the mercury soars and our body struggles to keep itself cool. Including lighter, less spicy and easily digestible foods in your diet can prove to be beneficial. When it comes to eating lentils in summer, moong, chickpeas, lentils are among the summer-friendly options. Pairing them with seasonal vegetables or using them in soups and salads can be a great and fun way to eat lentils in the summer season. Being an excellent source of protein, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals, lentils are an essential part of a balanced diet. They keep you full and prevent untimely hunger pangs. They also provide you with sustained energy throughout the day. (Also Read: Best and Healthiest Smoothies for Summer Breakfast)
“As the weather gets warmer, our diet often shifts towards lighter, cooling foods. Pulses — delicious, protein-packed powerhouse legumes that include lentils, chickpeas, and beans — are perfect for summer. They’re versatile, nutritious, and can be used in a variety of fresh, seasonal recipes. Pulses are a powerhouse of nutrition. Pulses are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them perfect for summer,” says Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist.
Summer-friendly pulses
Dr Patil lists six pulses that are suitable for summers and gives suggestions on how to include them in your diet.
1. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Chickpeas are ideal for salads, dips like hummus, and veggie burgers. Add them to a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, blend them into smooth hummus for a healthy dip, or roast them with spices for a crunchy snack.
2. Lentils
Lentils cook quickly and are great for salads and soups. Prepare a lentil salad with chopped vegetables and lemon juice or cook lentil soup with seasonal vegetables for a light meal.
3. Black lentils
Black beans are perfect for salads, salsas and burrito bowls. Add them to a corn and avocado salad, pair them with rice and vegetables to make a burrito bowl or use them as the base for black bean burgers.
4. Moong Dal
Moong dal can be sprouted or cooked, making them versatile. Add sprouted moong dal to salads, make a light stir-fry with seasonal vegetables or use cooked moong dal in a summer soup.
5. Split Peas
Split peas are a great addition to soups and casseroles. Make a chilled split pea soup with mint or add it to a vegetable stew for extra protein and fiber.
6. Navy Beans
Navy beans are small and creamy, perfect for salads and light soups. Use them in a Mediterranean bean salad with olives and feta, or add them to a white bean dip with garlic and herbs.
Tips To Include Pulses In Your Summer Diet:
- Soaking pulses thoroughly before cooking removes phytic acid, increases nutrient absorption and improves digestibility. This simple step ensures you get the most out of these nutritious summer-friendly foods.
- Combine cooked lentils with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing.
- Combine lentils and use them in creamy dips, like hummus or bean spreads, as a snack.
- Use pulses as the base of a cold soup to add a nutritious twist to a summer meal.
Sprouting pulses like moong increases their nutritional value and adds crunch to the salad.
