This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a commission. Read my disclosure page here.
Lentils are a versatile, protein-packed legume that can be used in a variety of dishes. Learn how to cook lentils perfectly every time with these easy tips and recipes.
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we'll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Lentils are a great addition to so many recipes! I love them in my lentil and sausage soup and they are a great way to bulk up salads.
You just need water and dry lentils, and cooking them is hands off. They make a great side dish for curries and can also be eaten by themselves for a healthy meat-free meal. They are also great for meal prep!
What Are Lentils
You might be wondering are lentils beans? Lentils are classified as legumes, along with beans and peas as they grow in a pod. Lentils are a great ingredient to include in your diet if you are meat-free as they are filling and delicious.
Varieties of Lentils
Lentils come in several varieties. They all have slightly different flavors and textures and the cooking times will vary slightly, although the cooking method remains the same.
- Brown Lentils: The most common variety. They have a mild and earthy flavor that holds its shape. Great in salads, casseroles, and soups. Require about 25 – 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Green Lentils: Green lentils have a more robust flavor, which is slightly peppery. They hold shape well and have medium to firm texture. They are great for salads and sides. Require about 35 minutes of cooking time.
- Red and Yellow Lentils: These lentils are sweeter in flavor, and break down more when they cook. This makes them ideal for dahl, casseroles, and soups. These lentils cook quicker and have about a 20 minute cooking time.
How To Cook Lentils On The Stove Perfectly
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water using a fine mesh sieve and remove any debris and rocks.
- Combine 1 cup of lentils and 3 cups of water in a pot. Add bay leave and any seasonings (without salt).
- Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, cover with a lid, and then reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the lentils for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Lentils are ready as soon as they are tender and no longer crunchy. Drain any remaining liquid, remove the bay leaves, and season with salt as needed.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Be sure to rinse and sift your lentils before cooking them to remove any rocks. They aren’t too pleasant when you bite into them!
- Be sure to season the water, I like to add bay leaves and sometimes peppercorns. This helps to bring out the natural flavors of the lentils.
- Don’t add salt to the lentils before cooking, or they will be tough. Add salt after you cook them.
- For more flavor, you can cook the lentils in vegetable stock or chicken stock rather than water.
- If after 20 minutes simmering, lentils are not tender, check them every 3 minutes after that.
Serving Suggestions
Cooked lentils are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Add to salads: Toss them into green salads for extra protein or mix them with quinoa, roasted veggies, and feta for a hearty grain bowl.
- Wraps and tacos: Use lentils as a filling for wraps or tacos, paired with avocado, salsa, and fresh greens.
- Soups and stews: Stir them into soups (like this Lentil Soup), curries, or beef chilis for added texture and nourishment.
- Veggie burgers: Blend lentils with breadcrumbs, spices, and sautéed onions to make flavorful homemade veggie patties.
- Quick side dish: Serve warm lentils with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a simple, nutritious side.
- Breakfast bowl: Top lentils with a poached egg, wilted spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a satisfying breakfast option.
How Long Do Cooked Lentils Keep
Lentils are a great option if you are planning your meals for the week. I often make up a double batch and keep them for quick dinners or add them to salads for lunches.
- Refrigerate: Let the lentils cool and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to a week and are ready to use.
- Freeze: Cooked lentils can be frozen for up to 6 months. Spread out cooked and chilled lentils on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen lentils in the fridge overnight before using.
Recipe FAQs
1 cup of dry lentils makes 2 1/2 cups of cooked lentils, which is enough for 4 servings.
Lentils don’t require to be soaked before cooking. Rinse them well, remove any debris, and drain the water. Then you can proceed with the recipe.
The ratio for lentils to water is 1:3, so for each cup of dried lentils you use, you need to add 3 cups of water.
To prevent lentils from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking them by checking for doneness early, use the right type of lentil for your dish (e.g., green or brown hold their shape better), and cook them at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.
Lentils cook fairy quickly compared to beans. After you bring the water and lentils to a rapid boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes.
More How To Tutorials
If you enjoyed this lentils cooking tutorial or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
☝ Tap stars to rate
How To Cook Lentils
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water and remove any debris and rocks.
- Combine 1 cup of lentils and 3 cups of water in a pot. Add bay leave and any seasonings (without salt).
- Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, cover with a lid and then reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the lentils for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Lentils are ready as soon as they are tender and no longer crunchy. Drain any remaining liquid, remove the bay leave, and season with salt as needed. You can enjoy them on their own or add the lentils to soup or salads.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse and sift your lentils before cooking them to remove any rocks. They aren’t too pleasant when you bite into them!
- Be sure to season the water, I like to add bay leaves and sometimes peppercorns. This helps to bring out the natural flavors of the lentils.
- Don’t add salt to the lentils before cooking, or they will be tough. Add salt after you cook them.
- For more flavor, you can cook the lentils in vegetable stock rather than water.
- If after 20 minutes simmering, lentils are not tender, check them every 3 minutes after that.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
Thanks for this through post about lentils! There are so many varieties and they all have different cooking times. It can certainly get complicated, but this post helped me create the perfect lentils in no time!
I love this idea for a delicious low-carb side dish. I had no idea lentils were this easy to cook. I am on a mission to make them next week.
I can sometimes mess up lentils and they end up mushy so this is a very helpful post indeed!
I’ve never tried lentils on their own — I’ve usually used them in other recipes. This is so simple, I’ll bet it would make a great side dish.
I’m useless at cooking lentils so this is super useful, thanks so much!