How to Cook Lentils on the Stovetop
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.
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
*Cook Times:
- 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.
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