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Pulses is a term that refers to lentils, chick peas, dried beans and dried peas. Pulses are excellent meat alternatives as they are low in fat and high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
Pulses offer a variety of healthy benefits to your diet. Including: 1)an excellent fiber source, 2) weight loss tool as new research is indicating they can help control hunger and appetite. 3) Help control blood glucose and blood cholesterol.
When buying pulses look for bright color and uniform size. Dried pulses will keep for a long time stored in tightly covered containers in a cool dry place. Cooked pulses can be stored refrigerated for 3-4 days and may be frozen for up to 6 months. Canned pulses are also available with same nutritional value.

Cooking times
Lentils 30-45 minutes
Whole peas/beans 1-2 hours
Split peas (yellow/green) 40-45 minutes

Soak beans and whole peas prior to cooking ~ 12 hours in fridge or quick soak (boil gently in water for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour)

Recipes

Three Bean Bake
540ml/190z can baked beans
540ml/19oz can lima beans
540ml/19oz kidney beans
500ml chopped onion
500ml chopped green pepper
2 cloves garlic
2tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp flour
2 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp soy sauce
powdered ginger ½ tsp
dash of chili pepper

Combine the baked beans, lima beans and kidney beans including liquid in a two liter( two quart) casserole dish. Saute onion, green pepper, and garlic in oil until the onion is transparent. Mix flour with powdered ginger and chili powder and stir into onions and green pepper. Add molasses and soy sauce. Pour mixture over beans. Stir lightly. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 160c/325f. Uncover, stir and bake until thick about 30 minutes.