Hosts making crêpes on the day
If you need to get the filling ready quickly, red lentils are worth considering: Manger Bouger says they take 10 minutes to cook. Pulses that are already cooked save you having to start by cooking a dried product.
Who are these formats for?
Large gatherings planned in advance
A 1 kg bag of dried pulses may be right for making a filling for several people. Be sure to check the instructions on your chosen pack, though: Auchan and E.Leclerc give different cooking instructions for their chickpeas.
People mindful of ingredients and storage
If any of your guests have dietary requirements, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the specific pack. For a large pack, also check the date, storage instructions and how you plan to use the leftovers.
What should you check before buying?
For savoury crêpes, start by considering how much time you have, then choose a quantity based on how much of the filling will be made up of pulses. The weight of a large bag alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll use that evening.
Dried red lentils
Worth considering: for a hot filling or one you’ll blend, made on the day; Manger Bouger says they take 10 minutes to cook.
Bear in mind: a 1 kg bag, such as the Sabarot one listed by Carrefour, will leave you with some to store if your recipe only uses part of it.
Dried chickpeas
Worth considering: for a large batch that you can start preparing in advance.
Bear in mind: Auchan’s listing for a 1 kg pack describes a two-stage cooking process, while E.Leclerc’s advice for other dried chickpeas calls for overnight soaking. Follow the instructions on your pack.
Pulses that are already cooked
Worth considering: when you haven’t planned ahead to prepare a pack of dried pulses.
Bear in mind: compare the amount you can use in the filling, including the drained weight if the product is in liquid, as well as the instructions for after opening.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation time | Dried or already cooked; soaking and cooking instructions on the product. | If I’m making the filling just before the meal, I want to avoid cooking that holds up the crêpes. Around 34% of consumers would prioritise speed above all else. |
| Quantity for your gathering | Net weight, stated portions and the role of the pulses in the recipe. | When pulses make up a large part of the filling, I want to make sure there’s enough for everyone. Quantity would be the top consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and preferences | Ingredients list, allergen warnings and, if required, organic details on the specific pack. | If I need to take dietary requirements into account at the table, I need to be able to check the ingredients before serving. Around 20% of consumers would make suitability their top priority. |
| Using up leftovers | Pack size, date and storage instructions. | If I only use part of the bag that evening, I want to know how to store and use the rest. This would be the main concern for around 13% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying dried chickpeas for an unplanned meal
The instructions for Auchan’s 1 kg pack include a second cooking stage of around 2 hours in a saucepan. E.Leclerc’s advice for other dried chickpeas recommends soaking them overnight.
If you’re eating that evening, check the instructions before you buy. If there isn’t enough time, consider red lentils or a product that’s already cooked.
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Assuming all packs carry the same allergen warnings
Auchan’s 1 kg chickpea pack warns that it may contain traces of peanuts, sesame, nuts and gluten. This warning applies to this particular product, not all chickpeas.
If anyone has an allergy or intolerance, check the warnings on the pack you buy before making the filling.
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Choosing 1 kg without planning for leftovers
A large bag may be more than you need if pulses are just one of several ingredients in your crêpes.
Think about how much of the recipe they’ll make up and what meals you’ll use the leftovers in before comparing pack sizes.
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Overlooking storage instructions
Instructions may differ between a bag of dried pulses and a product that’s already cooked, particularly after opening.
Check the date and instructions for your chosen product, then store it according to the packaging.
Retailers and brands to consider
Carrefour
Carrefour lists a 1 kg bag of Chiche chickpeas and 1 kg bags of Sabarot red lentils.
- Two types of pulses to consider in a large pack.
- The Sabarot lentils are sold and delivered by a partner; check the order terms and product information.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists Notre Jardin red lentils in 500 g packs, among other products.
- This pack size lets you consider buying less than 1 kg.
- Choose the number of packs to suit your recipe and gathering.
Auchan
Auchan’s 1 kg chickpea listing states that the pack contains 13 portions and describes a two-stage cooking process.
- Portion and preparation details can help you plan for a large quantity.
- The stated second cooking stage takes around 2 hours in a saucepan; the listing also warns of possible traces of allergens.
Lidl
Lidl features a Goldensun range of organic pulses, including lentils and chickpeas.
- The range includes several types of pulses.
- Check the pack size and availability with your local store.
Aldi
Aldi has a grocery range in its French stores.
- If you’re looking for pulses there, check the product, weight and packaging information in store.
Bjorg
Bjorg describes its products as organic; Auchan lists a 250 g Bjorg Express Lentils and Carrots pouch.
- The express pouch is worth considering if you only need a small quantity.
- This 250 g meal isn’t a substitute for a family-sized pack of plain pulses.
Joybuy products for your filling
These products include chickpeas, green lentils and frozen peas to help you put together a savoury crêpe filling. Frozen peas aren’t pulses, though. Check whether products need cooking or are listed as already cooked, then make sure you have the quantity your recipe calls for.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 820 gr
Worth considering for a filling you’re making on the day: these chickpeas are listed as already cooked. The pack contains 820 gr; check the drained weight to work out how much you can use. The product contains lupin, so check that it’s suitable for your guests’ allergies.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 540 gr
These chickpeas are listed as pre-cooked, so they may suit you if you don’t want to cook dried pulses for your evening meal. The jar contains 540 gr: compare the drained weight with the quantity you need for the filling. The instructions say to rinse the chickpeas and, after opening, transfer them to a non-metallic container, refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 days.
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Royal Bourbon Natural Cape Peas 400g
These cowpeas are listed as already cooked, ready to heat or add to a savoury dish. The pack contains 400g: check whether this is enough for the number of crêpes you’re making and the other ingredients in the filling.
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ETHIQUABLE Organic Green Lentils 500g
These 500g of dried green lentils are a good option if you can cook them before filling your crêpes; they’re not red lentils or a ready-to-serve product. The information for this product says no soaking is needed and gives a cooking time of around 20 to 25 minutes. Possible traces of gluten are noted, so check the packaging if this is relevant to any of your guests.
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HÜNKAR Green Peas 800g
These 800g of frozen peas are another option for a savoury filling, but they aren’t a pack of pulses. Store them in a freezer at −18 °C or below, and check the preparation instructions on the packaging before planning your meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 1 kg bag of dried chickpeas enough for the evening?
It may be, depending on how much chickpea filling you put in each crêpe and how many people you’re feeding. E.Leclerc suggests 80 g of dried chickpeas per person, while Auchan’s 1 kg pack states that it contains 13 portions. Use these figures as a guide and adjust them to suit your filling, rather than treating them as portions of crêpes.
Do dried chickpeas need to be soaked?
Follow the instructions on your chosen pack, as they vary by product. E.Leclerc recommends soaking the dried chickpeas described on its page overnight, while Auchan’s 1 kg pack says soaking isn’t necessary but calls for a second cooking stage of around 2 hours.
What should you check if a guest has an allergy?
Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact product packaging before serving it. Auchan’s 1 kg chickpea listing warns of possible traces of peanuts, sesame, nuts and gluten for this particular product only.
How should you store an opened large pack?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you buy and check the date. For the Auchan 1 kg dried chickpeas described here, the packaging says to protect the product from heat and moisture before opening; products that are already cooked may have different instructions for after opening.