Learn how to cook lentils perfectly every time with tons of flavour! These tips and tricks will keep all your lentils from getting mushy for soups, salads, and side dishes.
I love love love lentils!! I avoided using lentils for no good reason, and now I LOVE them! They are known as a power legume due to how long they’ve been around (all the way back to 8,000 BC) and their high protein content. They’re also incredibly versatile: Whether you have them plain, on a salad, in chili, or as a meat replacer in meatloaf!
There are many different colours of lentils — black, red, brown, green and yellow. The different colours are cooked for different times. So no, they aren’t very easily exchanged. If you see a recipe asking for red lentils, I definitely recommend using red lentils since you’ll have to completely adjust the cooking times and may end up with too mushy or rock hard lentils instead.
Lentils are a super easy side dish, but what are the little pods of flavour, anyway?
They’re actually part of the legume family like peas, peanuts, and beans. Also known as pulses, they’re most popular in Indian cuisine. I love them because dried lentils can last for years in an airtight container in the pantry.
Even cooked lentils are safe up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. There’s no easier meal prep option!
Similar to rice, lentils take on whatever flavors you add to the pot. Instead of plain water, cook lentils in a broth or stock. Adding aromatics like garlic, herbs, sliced browned onions, and a bay leaf can turn lentils into an easy and tasty dish.
Red/Orange/Yellow Split Lentils –
Orange/Yellow Split/Red Lentils are the “softest” kind of lentils and take the quickest to cook, about 15 to 20 minutes. They’re lovely in dahls and soups! Somethings they disintegrate completely!
How to Cook Lentils
This is truly the best and most consistent way to cook lentils with just 2 ingredients — lentils and water!
Before you cook lentils, it’s important to run your fingers through them and look to check for any small stones — AKA “sorting your lentils.” Yes, I’ve found a small stone before! Remove any other debris, then give them a quick rinse in a sieve or fine mesh strainer.
Mix 1 cup of lentils with 2 cups of water in a sauce pan over medium heat. Make sure all the lentils are covered in water. Bring to a rumbling simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer about 20 minutes.
Like rice, lentils absorb water while they cook. If the water level drops below the lentils, add a little more liquid to keep them moist. You want the lentils softened but not mushy. I always add salt and any other seasonings when they’re done cooking.
How To Cook Lentils
FAQ
Can you cook lentils in stock?
Can you cook lentils without water?
Can you use the liquid from cooking lentils?
Do you cover lentils when simmering?
Can you cook lentils in vegetable broth?
Cooking lentils in vegetable broth adds a ton of flavor, but if you don’t have it you can absolutely use water. Here are the ingredients you need for how to make lentils on the stovetop: Vegetable broth (you can sub water in a pinch, but veggie broth adds great flavor)
Can one replace meat with lentils?
As lentils are packed with protein, they can be a very good substitute for meat, in many plant-based dishes. Lentils can be used in burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, burritos, marinara sauce, etc. Lentils have no saturated fats (as meat has), and also contain iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B, and most of the essential amino acids.
What can I use instead of water to cook lentils?
Use broth or stock instead of water. Here are our recipes for veggie broth and our homemade chicken stock. Before adding cooking liquid to the pot, sauté the lentils in a little oil with chopped vegetables like onion, carrot and celery. Add fresh or dried herbs to the cooking liquid. I love bay leaves (use 1 or 2), rosemary and thyme.
Can you cook lentils in water?
Sometimes, you will find a rogue grain or bean that sneaked in from the bulk aisle. Lentils cooked in water with a bit of salt are perfectly tasty, but you can add even more flavor when cooking lentils. Here are a few ideas: Use broth or stock instead of water. Here are our recipes for veggie broth and our homemade chicken stock.