How to Cook Lentils
Lentils are a fantastic and wholesome food. They are so versatile and delicious. This ultimate guide on how to cook lentils is a must have for every cook!
Servings: 4
Calories: 169kcal
Equipment
- pressure cooker (optional)
- slow cooker (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 3-4 cups water or broth
Optional flavor add ins:
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- bay leaf
- fresh herbs
- dried herbs
- whole garlic or onion
- kombu
Instructions
Stove top:
- Add lentils and water to a pot. Add in any flavorings you want.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes for red, 12-15 for brown/green, 15-17 for black, and 20-23 for French green.
- Drain and use as needed!
Pressure cooker:
- Put lentils and water (and any flavorings) into the pressure cooker.
- Put on the top and move the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on the manual setting for: 2-5 minutes for the red variety (but up to 10 minutes if you are going for a very soft texture), 5-7 minutes for black lentils, 6-7 minutes for brown/green lentils, 7-9 for french green lentils
- Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes or so, then move the valve to the release position and once all the pressure is released you can open and use them as needed.
Slow cooker:
- Put lentils and water (and any flavorings) into your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-5 hours
Notes
- This makes a little over 2 cups cooked lentils. Serving size is approximately 1/4 cup.
- Add in any of the flavor options you want or cook plain to have on hand.
- Nutrition info is for basic recipe only.
Nutrition
Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 4mg