How To Cook Red Lentils

A bowl of red lentils with a scoop on a towel-lined wooden counter.

5 from 13 votes

Red lentils have always brought comfort to my family’s meals, and today I’ll show you how to cook red lentils perfectly in just 15 minutes! I love how they transform into a protein-packed dish that’s both quick and easy to make, ideal for busy nights or when you’re in the mood for something a little extra special.

Prep Time2

Cook Time15

Total Time17

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 159kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup dry red lentils
3 cups water
½-⅔ tsp salt

Instructions

Stovetop Method

Rinse lentils under cool water until water drains clear.
Place the lentils and water in a large saucepan. Cover with water, and sprinkle with salt. Bring to a boil uncovered.
Reduce heat, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lentils are soft.
Drain any excess water before serving.

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)

Rinse lentils under cool water until water drains clear.
Place lentils in the instant pot, add the water and salt. Stir to combine.
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing. Set the pressure to high, and the time to 4 minutes.
Allow to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then turn the valve to quick release to release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid once all the steam has escaped.

Video

https://youtu.be/be42e6tuwjo

Notes

I always use fresh lentils. I remember the first time I tried using an older batch, it took ages to cook, and the flavor just wasn’t right. Now, I always check for fresh lentils, and it guarantees the creamy, delicious results that make this recipe so special.
I take the time to rinse my lentils to remove any tiny stones or impurities. It makes a huge difference in both texture and flavor.

I like to buy lentils from the bulk section at the store, it’s a great way to get the freshest ones compared to pre-bagged options sitting on the shelf.

For a hands-free cooking process, I recommend using the Instant Pot! First, I rinse the lentils under cold water until it runs clear. Then, I add 1 cup of lentils, 3 cups of water, and some salt to the Instant Pot, give it a stir, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. After naturally releasing the pressure for 15 minutes, I do a quick release and remove the lid once the steam is gone, so easy!

Nutrition