By Michelle Savard
The variety of dishes is even more complex than the selection of legumes. But taste is not the only reason these cereal-legume dishes are an integrative part of traditional cultures: by combining legumes with cereal products we create something marvelous that has allowed these cultures to evolve throughout the years: a complete protein. This means that the consumption of meat or animal products (such as dairy) is not necessary because eating these meals provides one with all of the amino acids (protein building blocks) meat contains. Isn't nature wonderful!
Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, soy beans, navy beans, black eye peas are just a handful of more than 80 different types of legume varieties that are consumed in the world! These are the staple to many traditional cultural dishes. Think: Indian Dahl and rice, Mexican red beans and corn bread, Lebanese chickpea falafel and pita bread. Are you salivating yet?
The variety of dishes is even more complex than the selection of legumes. But taste is not the only reason these cereal-legume dishes are an integrative part of traditional cultures: by combining legumes with cereal products we create something marvelous that has allowed these cultures to evolve throughout the years: a complete protein. This means that the consumption of meat or animal products (such as dairy) is not necessary because eating these meals provides one with all of the amino acids (protein building blocks) meat contains. Isn't nature wonderful!