Thinking about school lunches? Pulses – such as chickpeas, lentils and beans – offer an easy lunch alternative for parents who are looking for a new source of protein and fibre to pack in their child’s lunchbox as another school year gears up.

“Many parents are looking for tasty and nutritious lunch ideas that their kids will actually eat or a source of protein to replace peanut butter, which is often not allowed in schools due to allergies,” said Debra McLennan, Food and Nutrition Coordinator with Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) and a Registered Dietitian. “Pulses are a delicious source of protein and other nutrients that are easy to add into lunches to give kids the energy they need for a busy school day.”

The Alberta Pulse Growers recipe for Red Lentil & Roasted Carrot Dip is a simple dish that packs 6 g of protein and 4 g of fibre into a 60 mL serving. This dip is a delicious, versatile recipe that can be used as a spread for breads and wraps that pairs well with fillings like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spinach, green onion and assorted coloured peppers. Kids also enjoy it for dunking vegetables and crackers. Using roasted carrots adds a sweetness along with an appealing orange colour to the dip.

Another kid-friendly recipe that’s a great addition to lunches or snacks-on-the-go is APG’s Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Chickpeas.  Loaded with 5 g of protein and 3 g of fibre in a 60 mL serving, these tasty chickpeas can easily be eaten as a crunchy snack, added to salads or tossed into your favourite granola.

Both recipes mentioned above are gluten-free and vegetarian. The recipes are available for reprinting with credit in the attachment below. The Alberta Pulse Growers website (https://albertapulse.com/recipe/ ) offers many other recipes that feature chickpeas, beans, lentils and field peas in appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and desserts.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,000 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have Alberta pulses recognized by consumers as environmentally friendly, healthy, nutritious, and recognized by all producers as being an essential element in a sustainable cropping system. 

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com