– And they’re extremely affordable, you can create a meal for a family of 6 for less than a 1$ per serving. But how much lentil to cook? They’re cheap, nutritious, easy to make, they need no soaking in most cases, and – most importantly – they’re delicious! Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Thanks. How many red lentils do I need to cook to get two cups of cooked lentils? While some lentils are perfect for salads and side dishes, others are better for stews or blended … Like I said they are versatile! It’s all in the math. Stovetop Cooking Method. Simply pop them in a sieve under running water and check them for any debris/other grains and make sure they’re rinsed and clean. How to Cook Lentils in the Instant Pot. As a rough guide to cooking times: Green and brown lentils: 35-45 minutes. Simple Khichari. Fill a pot with your lentils and plenty of water: it should reach 2 inches above the lentils. You will never be stumped at dinner time again. Lentils are easy to cook, with split lentils only taking about 5 minutes and other varieties around 20 minutes to prepare. They are definitely worth the extra cost. The brining method works really well with these lentils. Let the lentils cook uncovered until done. Salt at the end of cooking the lentils not during the cooking process. Red lentils: They’re simple brown lentils skinned and spilt. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-lentils-on-the-stove-116321 look)! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Come join me in a Mediterranean adventure where we'll be using simple, real food ingredients and transforming them into delicious meals for the everyday home cook. 4 cups vegetable broth. For specific directions, see specific entry on CooksInfo.com on the type of lentil you have in mind. Thank you. Try them: Masoor Dal or Red Lentil Soup; French lentils (Puy lentils): These lentils hold their shape when cooked, making them very different from brown, green and red lentils. Lentils should be cooked al dente; tender, but not mushy. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger. Part of the reason is that they are smaller, but they also contain much lower levels of lectin than other beans. Do I need to soak lentils before cooking them? Time 7 minutes. Brown and green lentils: cook them for about 6-8 minutes for firm lentils. ", Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow. I find they tend to lose a little bit of shape once cooked and they can be easily overcooked, but really tasty when cooked right. According to Peggy Trowbridge Filippone for About.com, the best way to cook lentils is to cover them in water or broth and boil for two to three minutes. … Required fields are marked *. These lentils are bend thick puree. What are the best seasonings for lentils? I find they tend to lose a little bit of shape once cooked and they can be easily overcooked, but really tasty when cooked right. they can come in a bright red-orange colour or pail orange-yellowish colour. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. It depends on how soggy you want them. Le Puy or French Lentils: They have Complex flavour, rich, earthy with a firm yet tender texture. Learn our four favourite methods of cooking lentils, along with information about different varieties. Inspect the lentils and remove any bad lentils … If you want to cut down on the cooking time, use precooked lentils and omit most of the vegetable broth, adding some in only if the mixture seems dry. One half cup of uncooked red lentils provides 22g protein, 10g fiber, 40mg calcium, 6mg iron, and 600mg potassium, according to the USDA. 3 tablespoons canola oil. Note that some recipes call for using the uncooked red lentils which will save even more time during your cooking. As a general rule of thumb, dry lentils approximately double in volume when cooked. 2 cloves garlic, chopped. they have a robust flavour and hold shape really well. How do I prepare Red Split Lentils . Plus, unlike other legumes, you don’t need to soak them first. Cook lentils to recommend timing and add salt once finished cooking. Do a Quick Sort. Lentils flavours benefit from adding aromatics, like onions, garlic, cinnamon, and bay leaves in the cooking water. These lentils are grown in volcanic soil in the Le Puy region of France. For soft, stew or soup quality lentils, cook 15-20 minutes. ", less water next time, perhaps just a 2 to 1 ratio. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice near the end of cooking brightens their earthy flavour in most cases. Quick-release and drain, Beluga Lentils: The smallest of lentils, they have a deep black colour that mellows out once cooked resulting in a dark muddy looking dish. Don't overcook. 1 cup red lentils. Forgetting to sift through them before cooking. One-quarter cup of dry lentils makes about one-half to five-eighths cup cooked lentils. These lentils, also known as French green, are a good choice for salads or main dishes where the shape and texture of … All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Bring the water to a boil, then turn it down to low heat and simmer the lentils, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes or until they turn into a thick puree. Check them frequently, and add water if needed. When cooking them on their own, bring 1½ cups water and 1 cup dry lentils to a boil, then simmer until tender, 10–15 minutes. Ensure they are well sealed. Lentils generally have a shelf life of about a year. Red lentils aren’t normally prepared and stored for later. Not only are lentils tasty and easy to cook, but these tiny legumes are also packed full of protein, fibre, folate, and health-promoting phytochemicals, and they have a delicious ability to add depth to your salads, side dishes, and more. Lentils are also great in the pressure cooker; cook for around 20-30 mins (depending on the type). One of the best things about lentils, though, is that you don’t need a set recipe to whip up an amazing meal. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-17.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-6.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-7.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-8.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-9.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-10.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-11.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-12.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-13.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-14.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-15.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-16.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-18.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-19.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-20.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-21.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-22.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-22.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-23.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-24.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-24.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-24.jpg\/aid1488695-v4-728px-Cook-Red-Split-Lentils-Step-24.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"