Crossword Genius

Red lentil primarily forms part of pulses and granules (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pearls

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'granules' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pearls that I've seen before include "Lustrous structures inside the shell of an oyster" , "They're found in the shells of oysters" , "Nacreous gems" , "Lustrous structures found in oysters" , "Stones" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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