Cooking lentils may seem intimating at first but it is actually very simple! This beginner-friendly guide will walk you though exactly how to cook lentils including all of the tips and tricks.
Lentils are part of the legume family, similar to beans. There are many varieties and uses. They are popular because they are affordable, wholesome, hearty and delicious!
Lentils are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own with simple seasoning, or they can be added to soups, salads, curries and more! I highly recommend my popular Mediterranean lentils salad with chickpeas, or this tasty lentil pasta salad!
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Why You'll Love Lentils
- Lentils are high in fiber and a great source of plant-based protein.
- Cooking lentils on the stovetop is the best! You can cook a pot of tender lentils in just 30 minutes (or less).
- Lentils are great for meal prep and can bulk up salads, grain bowls, soups and more!
Ingredients Notes
- Dried lentils - use any variety of your choosing. They are usually found by the beans in a grocery store.
- Water - I cook my lentils in regular tap water. You can also use vegetable broth for extra flavor.
- Salt -salt brings out the earthy flavors of the lentils seasoning them to perfection.
- Bayleaf - contributes to the overall flavor.
- Garlic - a whole clove of garlic adds delicious flavor to the lentils as they cook.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy - add crushed red pepper flakes to the lentils.
- Parmesan - add a parmesan rind to the pot while the lentils are cooking.
- Rosemary - add a few sprigs of rosemary while the lentils are cooking.
- Garlic - add a few cloves of garlic to the lentil pot.
Varieties of Lentils and Cooking Times
There are so many varieties of lentils, each delicious in their own way. While they are similar in flavor with their earthy taste, it can be softened with proper seasoning like salt, garlic and a bayleaf.
Beluga (Black) Lentils
Beluga lentils, also known as black lentils are small and firm. They are great for salads such as this greek lentil salad considering they hold their shape. I love black lentils but I'm not always able to find them in my usual grocery store, so I tend to order them online when I get a craving.
Beluga lentils need about 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
French Green Lentils
These beautiful specked lentils are also known as Le Puy or Puy lentils, named after the region in France. I most commonly use this variety of lentils in my recipes because they are easy for me to find at the store.
Le Puy lentils also their shape well making them perfect for salads like this lentil and quinoa salad, lentil corn salad or carrot lentil salad.
French green lentils need about 20-25 minutes of time to cook until they are tender.
Brown Lentils
Brown lentils are very common and often used in soups! They take a bit longer to cook around 25-30 minutes. If you see a bag of lentils that are simply labeled as "lentils" they are likely brown lentils.
Brown lentils may also be referred to as green lentils (not to be confused with French green lentils). These lentils are are generally larger than French green lentils and softer in texture once cooked.
This lentil variety is not as firm as black or Puy lentils. I use brown lentils in my lentil sloppy Joe recipe and this warm lentil salad with cauliflower.
Red Lentils and Yellow Lentils
Red lentils may appear whole or split. They have the quickest cooking time and may be ready in about 15 minutes (perhaps faster if they are split). This colorful lentil variety is often used in soups, stews and curries such as sweet potato and red lentil soup.
Yellow lentils tend to be softer once cooked and are often used in Indian cuisine. Dahl is a popular lentil dish that uses this variety of lentils. Red and yellow lentils can be substituted for each other if needed as they are similar in texture.
Step by Step Instructions
Rinse the lentils and sort through them to pick out any debris or misshaped lentils. Add the lentils and water to a saucepan. Add optional flavorings such as salt and a bayleaf.
Bring the lentils to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-25 minutes (depending on the lentil variety). Strain the lentils and discard the bayleaf and garlic if using.
Hint: make sure to taste the lentils to make sure they are tender and have completed cooking before you drain the pot. Each variety of lentil may have a different cooking so it's important to double check.
Storage
Store dry lentils in an airtight container in the pantry. It is generally recommended to eat dry lentils within a year after they have been purchased, however they can last for years if stored properly.
Once the lentils have been cooked, they can be stored for up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container.
Freezing
Make sure to cool lentils completely before freezing them. Lentils can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can freeze a large batch or portion them out individually into specific amounts (such as 1 cup).
Top tip
Season the lentils as they cook. Make sure not to over cook lentils or they will become mushy.
Best Ways to Eat Lentils
- It may sound simple, but lentils taste delicious on their own with a splash of vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Make cold lentil salads for meal prep during the week or enjoy warm lentils salads as a cozy and elevated side dish.
- Add some lentils to a simmering pot of soup to bulk up the soup with some plant-based protein.
- Blend lentils in place of beans to make lentil hummus.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you are able to cook lentils in the rice cooker, I prefer to cook them on the stovetop. I've tried cooking them in my rice cooker and it doesn't seem to work as well as the stove top, and it creates a mess in my rice cooker.
There is no need to soak lentils before cooking them. They can be cooked from dry in 25 minutes. If you want to soak them you absolutely can, which will cut down on cook time.
Yes, cooking lentils in broth instead of water will add more flavor for the lentils to absorb while cooking.
How to Cook Lentils on the Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils* [see note below]
- 3 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
- 1 bayleaf optional
- 1 clove garlic optional
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Add the lentils, water, salt, bayleaf and garlic clove to a medium saucepan.
- Cook over high heat until the lentils come to a boil.
- Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low and simmer for the allocated time recommend based on the lentil variety (see notes below**). Cook time will be between 15-25 minutes.
- Drain any excess water (or save it and add it to a soup) and discard the bayleaf and garlic clove.
- Add cooked lentils to salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers and more!
Notes
- Beluga (black) lentils - simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- French green lentils (Le Puy) - simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Brown lentils - simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Yellow or red lentils - simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
Em says
Love having all of this lentil info in once place!