Hosts preparing raclette for tonight
If you want to add chickpeas without soaking them or waiting for them to cook, look for a product that is already cooked, either in a tin or a jar.
Which format is right for you?
Families planning several meals
A large bag of dried pulses can provide enough for raclette and other recipes, as long as you plan the cooking time for the variety and can store the leftovers.
Diners who check ingredients and allergens
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you buy: these can vary between products and pack sizes.
What should you check before buying?
First decide whether your side dish needs to be ready tonight or whether you can cook the pulses in advance. Then choose an amount you can realistically use.
| Priority | What to check | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | The words “already cooked” and, for pulses in liquid in a tin, the drained weight. | I’m making raclette tonight and can’t wait for a bag of dried pulses to cook. Around 44% of consumers would put this immediate need first. |
| Large pack | The pack size and the cooking instructions for that particular variety. | I can cook in advance and use the rest in other meals. Around 33% of consumers would put a large pack first. |
| Labelling | The ingredients, allergens and any “may contain” warnings on the pack you buy. | I need to consider my guests’ dietary requirements before serving the dish. Around 23% of consumers would put this check first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying dried chickpeas for tonight
Preparation instructions vary: Auchan’s product information for SAMIA chickpeas recommends soaking them overnight and cooking for 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes. So a bag of dried chickpeas isn’t a substitute for a tin of ready-cooked chickpeas when you’re putting together a meal at short notice.
If you’re short on time, look specifically for the words “cooked” and follow the instructions for the product you choose.
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Comparing a tin and a bag of dried pulses by the weight shown alone
When chickpeas come in liquid, the weight of the tin isn’t the same as the weight of the drained chickpeas.
Check the drained weight to work out how much to serve. If you’re comparing nutritional information, use the values given per 100 g on the packs in question.
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Assuming the allergens based on the main ingredient alone
Two chickpea products may have different ingredient lists or “may contain” warnings. This matters if one of your guests needs to avoid an allergen.
Read the label on the product you’ve actually bought rather than relying on the label for another pack size.
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Confusing where a product is packed with where it is grown
The words “packed in France” tell you where the product was packed, not necessarily where the pulses were grown.
If origin matters to you, look for a clear indication of the country where the pulses were grown on the pack.
Retailers and brands to know
Auchan
Auchan’s product listings include 1 kg bags of dried chickpeas and 530 g tins of chickpeas: two formats for different preparation times.
- The 1 kg bag of dried chickpeas is a useful option if you’re buying for several meals.
- For its 530 g tin, Auchan’s product information says to refrigerate the contents in an airtight container after opening and eat within two days.
Carrefour
Carrefour’s product listing for LA FERME DE LOUIS green lentils gives a pack size of 1 kg, which may suit you if you’re planning ahead.
- The pack size makes it easy to plan to use the lentils for more than just raclette night.
- Before choosing this format, check the cooking instructions and how much you’ll need.
ALDI / ALL SEASONS®
ALDI France offers ALL SEASONS® chickpeas in a 265 g pack, an option to consider if you need a smaller amount.
- This pack size lets you tailor your purchase to a smaller side dish.
- Check the drained weight and instructions for use on the pack you choose.
Joybuy products to help you choose
These chickpeas and lentils give you the choice of a quick-to-prepare side dish or a large pack of dried pulses. Check the cooking instructions before relying on a product for tonight.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 540 g
This 540 g pack could be a good fit if the drained quantity is enough for your raclette meal. If you’re planning to serve them tonight, check the pack to confirm they’re already cooked, then follow the storage instructions after opening.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 820 g
This 820 g pack is for those planning to serve a larger quantity of chickpeas. Check the drained weight on the pack to work out how much you’ll have to serve. Also check the preparation instructions and, if you have an allergy, any information about lupin in particular.
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TRS Red Split Lentils 2 kg
This 2 kg bag of dried lentils is a good choice if you’re planning ahead and will use the rest after raclette. Check the cooking instructions and allergen information on the pack before planning your meal.
Frequently asked questions
Which pulses should I choose if I’m having raclette tonight?
Choose a product that’s already cooked if you can’t allow time for cooking. Check the pack, then prepare the chickpeas according to the recipe and the product instructions.
Is a 1 kg bag always suitable for a family?
No. It’s most useful if you plan to use the pulses across several meals. If you’re making raclette just once, consider the preparation time and how much room you’ll need to store the rest.
How do I compare a tin with a bag of dried pulses?
If a tin contains pulses in liquid, start with the drained weight to work out how much you’ll have to serve. To compare the nutritional values of pre-packed products, check the information per 100 g, as recommended by the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control.
What should I check if one of my guests has an allergy?
Read the ingredients, any highlighted allergens and any “may contain” warnings on the pack you’ve actually bought. Don’t assume the information applies to another product or pack size.
How should I store tinned chickpeas after opening?
Follow the instructions on the tin you’ve bought. For its 530 g tin of chickpeas, Auchan advises transferring the contents to a suitable airtight container, keeping it in the fridge and eating the chickpeas within two days.