We love lentils in everything from soups and stews to salads, dips, and side dishes. Clearly, learning to cook dried lentils is a kitchen skill worth mastering. This guide covers how to cook lentils, how to prepare them, and a roundup of the different types available.
Types of Lentils
There are a variety of lentils on the market, each with its own flavor profile and texture. Often, how you cook them is based on the type you choose.
Red, Orange, and Yellow Lentils
These sweet lentils are all beautifully-hued variations of one specific variety. They’re ideal for thick dips, soups, sauces, curries, or Indian daal. You can find them in Indian or Middle Eastern markets labeled as masoor (red lentils) or channa (yellow lentils). Since they get mushy easily, it’s important to know how long to cook them. As a rule of thumb, remember that they generally take about 30 minutes on the stovetop.
Brown Lentils
This is the most common variety of lentils and what you’ll see most often at your local grocery store. They generally have a mild, earthy flavor, cook quickly in about 20 to 30 minutes, and hold their shape fairly well. Common varieties include Spanish Brown, German Brown, and Indian Brown. The blackest and tiniest lentils are called Beluga lentils. If you’re cooking black lentils, check for doneness after 15 minutes. Brown lentils will work well in spiced lentil soups and stews.
Green Lentils
Green lentils are much-loved for their hearty and peppery flavor, and they also stay firm after cooking, which makes them perfect for salads and sides. Cook green lentils slowly for 45 minutes to preserve that firm texture. Varieties include Lentilles du Puy, Puy Lentils, or French Green lentils.
How to Prepare Lentils
How to Cook Lentils on the Stovetop
A simple way to cook perfectly tender lentils is on the stovetop. This technique is great for when you want total control over how firm or soft your lentils become.
How to Cook Lentils in the Slow Cooker
Cooking lentils in a slow cooker is a wonderful way to let them tenderize and allow their flavor to meld with other ingredients. A slow cooker is also fantastic for making soups and stews where it’s okay if your lentils get very soft. The final texture of the lentils is based on how much liquid you add, how long you cook them, and what temperature you set your slow cooker.
How to Cook Lentils in the Pressure Cooker
Like a slow cooker, pressure cookers slash cook time, making for super speedy meal prep. Just be sure to stick with brown or green lentils; red, yellow, and orange lentils will turn to mush under high pressure. Cooked lentils will keep refrigerated for about a week, making them super convenient for fast meals and on-the-fly cooking. Just season with oils, vinegar, herbs, and spices to eat on their own, or add to soups, salads, lentil bowls, or even burritos!
