Taking her inspiration from all around the globe and her love for pulses, Vicky Jones has created a collection of delicious recipes. Over half of them are vegetarian, while the rest make creative use of modest amounts of fish, poultry or meat. Try Moroccan Harira Soup or Cuban Black Bean Soup from the Soups section. Tasty Street Food ideas include Lentil Pancakes with Mint Raita and Brazilian Black-eye Bean and Shrimp Fritters.

Also included are stunning Salads, including Mung Bean Salad with Mango and Peruvian Quinoa. Rediscover classic Main Dishes like Cassoulet or discover an exotic Persian Lamb and Chickpea Casserole with Barberries. The Vegetarian Main Dishes chapter offers familiar favourites with a twist, like Lentil Moussaka, while Side Dishes & Dips pack a sensational flavour punch, such as Keralan Coconut Moong Dal. Finally, Desserts will delight and surprise you with heavenly creations including Black Bean Brownies.

Complete with fascinating information on the history and botany of pulses, advice on buying, storing, soaking and cooking them and a summary of their nutritional benefits, this is the go-to cookbook for anyone who appreciates good food and of course wants to start celebrating the 2016 International Year of Pulses!

Out of the Pod
This article comes from The Times edition of Sunday January 31st. Out of the Pod by Vicky Jones is published by Ryland Peters & Small at £16.99 hardback, and available from all good bookshops, or through Amazon. Photography by William Reavell