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Pulses are a staple in Indian cuisine. From dal tadka to aamti, there are plenty of recipes prepared with pulses. These delights go well with rice as well as roti and can be relished at every meal. Packed with protein, minerals, and fibre, it is also used to make a variety of snacks, such as dhokla and vada. The common types of pulses found in Indian kitchens are pigeon peas, Bengal gramme, black chickpeas, and horsegram.
In most households, dals are purchased in bulk for convenience and stay on the kitchen counter for several months. But sometimes we find insects and other particles damaging the whole jar of dal. This happens due to environmental conditions and carelessness in storing them, and because of this, many of us throw the whole jar into the trash. But there are ways that can help you store your pulses safely for a long time.
Here are five ways to protect pulses from insects in your kitchen:
Neem Leaves
This is an age-old method to get rid of insects in the kitchen. All you have to do is keep a whole stem of dry neem in your container and then fill it with grains. This method is also used by farmers to keep insects from spoiling their crops. Neem leaves are also helpful in protecting kitchen cupboards from insects.
Cloves And Dry Chillies
Both of these common kitchen ingredients are amazing hacks to prevent insects from damaging the jar of pulses. Just place a few pieces of cloves (8–10 pieces) or dry chillies (3–4 pieces) into the jar and close the lid properly, making sure the container is airtight. This will not only keep your pulses free from bugs but also give them a mild flavour.
Roast The Pulses
If you are storing your pulses for too long, then just dry roast them before keeping them in the container. It will be better if you store them in a glass jar with an airtight lid. Adding a pinch of dry red chilli can give you a better result. Also, make sure not to touch the pulses with wet hands.
Garlic
This is another common kitchen ingredient that is helpful in keeping pulses safe from insects at home. Place four to five unpeeled cloves of garlic in the dal container, and once they dry out, replace them with fresh ones. Garlic can keep pulses safe for a long time.
Sunlight
If you have already spotted a bug in the jar of dal, don’t throw it away. Just check the condition, and if it is not too bad, spread it on a large plate or cloth and place it under direct sunlight for at least two to three days. This will ensure that all the insects flee away and your pulse is safe. Keeping them in the sunlight once a month also prevents the insects from growing.
