Learn to prepare dinner dried inexperienced lentils on this step-by-step tutorial. You possibly can prepare dinner an entire bag without delay and freeze for future use!

Hello pals!
It is a put up that has been a number of years coming! Just about ever since I posted my recipe for Lentil Banana Muffins again in 2011, I’ve been getting questions on learn how to prepare dinner lentils. I lastly bought my act collectively to put in writing out the method for you in order that anybody can study!

How To Cook dinner Inexperienced Lentils
This put up is particularly about learn how to prepare dinner inexperienced (or brown) lentils. That is the sort I exploit most frequently and all the time have in my pantry. They’re excessive in fiber and potassium they usually’re stuffed with antioxidants. They maintain their form when cooked and might simply be mixed with floor meat in issues like tacos, sloppy joes and pasta sauce.
Past our favourite banana muffins, I additionally use them in Chocolate Lentil Bars, Lentil Sloppy Joes and Pesto Lentil Balls. You may as well study How To Make Roasted Lentils or How To Sprout Lentils.
Want extra concepts? Listed below are 20+ Healthy Green Lentil Recipes.

How To Cook dinner Purple Lentils
Purple lentils are one other nice choice. I exploit them in my Apple Cinnamon Red Lentil Muffins and my Vegan Red Lentil Curry. Nevertheless, they prepare dinner otherwise than inexperienced and brown lentils. Purple lentils prepare dinner in solely 5 minutes and have a tendency to lose their form. They’re finest used for baking and in soups and stews the place they can assist thicken the broth. Or attempt them in my Red Lentil Pancakes!
Listed below are 15+ Red Lentil Recipes so that you can attempt!
How Lengthy Do Lentils Take To Cook dinner
The wonderful thing about lentils is that they prepare dinner tremendous shortly. As soon as the water is boiling they simply have to simmer for 12-Quarter-hour! This implies when you don’t have any available within the freezer, you may simply prepare dinner some up whereas getting ready different meal elements and add them to a 20-minute meal.

How To Cook dinner Lentils on the Range
So let me present you learn how to prepare dinner lentils on the range high:
- Add lentils to a pot.
- Add water. Lentils are inclined to triple in measurement as soon as cooked so I like to recommend about 4 cups water per 1 cup dried lentils.
- Cowl the pot and produce water to a boil. As soon as it boils, scale back to a simmer and let prepare dinner for 12-Quarter-hour. Actual cooking time will rely in your desired diploma of doneness. I desire mine on the agency aspect so 12 minutes works nicely for me however you may proceed to simmer them till they’re as smooth as you need.
- Drain the surplus water. There might be water left. Lentils don’t take in all of the water you place in like when cooking rice. Rinse lentils with chilly water to cease the cooking course of.
- Let cool fully earlier than freezing (if desired).

How To Freeze Lentils
After I prepare dinner lentils, I are inclined to prepare dinner an entire bag without delay and freeze most of them. Since I most frequently use them for baking and most of my recipes name for 1 cup, I freeze in as soon as cup parts however when you plan to make use of for meals you would freeze in 2-3 cup parts.
Merely let the lentils cool fully, then scoop into storage luggage, take away extra air and freeze flat.
Once you’re prepared to make use of them, switch a bag to the fridge in a single day, or put frozen lentils in a bowl and microwave to defrost.

How To Cook dinner Lentils
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How To Cook dinner Lentils
Learn to prepare dinner dried inexperienced lentils on the range high on this step-by-step tutorial. You possibly can prepare dinner an entire bag without delay and freeze the extras for later.
Elements
1 bag dried inexperienced or brown lentils
8 cups water (roughly 4 cups per 1 cup dried lentis)
Directions
- Place lentils in a big pot.
- Add water.
- Cowl and produce to a boil, then scale back warmth to simmer.
- Simmer for 12-Quarter-hour or till lentils attain desired tenderness.
- Drain extra water and rinse with chilly water to cease cooking.
- If freezing, let cool fully and portion into storage luggage to freeze.
See how straightforward it’s?! I can’t wait so that you can make some as a result of they’re such a flexible plant protein choice.

How To Cook dinner Lentil Soup
Lentils are additionally a fantastic choice for soup as a result of they will prepare dinner proper within the broth. Merely add a cup to your favourite soup and allow them to simmer. Want a recipe? Attempt these:
- Lentil Soup from Recipe Tin Eats
- Best Lentil Soup from Cookie + Kate
- Lentil Soup Recipe from Alton Brown
Get pleasure from!
–Lindsay–