Simply put, pulses are legumes that are specifically grown to be harvested and dried. We’ve found exceptional beans, peas, and lentils to celebrate the year of these wicked-good wonders.
Christmas Lima Beans
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Even in their darkly mottled skins, dried Christmas lima beans look festive. They cook up meaty, with a chestnutlike flavor. Available at Rancho Gordo.
Sea Island Red Peas
Ring in the New Year with a Hoppin’ John like no other with Sea Island Red Peas and Carolina Gold Rice. The ruddy, diminutive field peas even taste like good luck. To learn more about the iconic dish, peruse “The Historic Problem of Hoppin’ John” at seriouseats.com. Available from Anson Mills.
Cuban Black Beans
Cuban-born Estie Cruz-Curoe set up shop in St. Louis and began delivering tasty del Carmen black beans, soups, and hummus by way of local farmers’ markets. Available at Whole Foods Market and Lucky’s Market.
Black Beluga Lentils
Tiny, round, and plump, these lentils won’t turn to mush as some of their lentil cousins do. Black Belugas stay round when cooked. Named for the caviar that they resemble, they taste nearly as rich as their namesake. Available at Global Foods Market.
