How to Cook Lentils

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How to Cook Lentils

Discover How to Cook Lentils in just 20 minutes (yes, really!). This budget-friendly pantry staple is one of the best healthy ingredients to add to soups, salads, side dishes, meal prep recipes, and beyond.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup lentils (see note 1)
  • 3 cups water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper optional (see note 2)
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Instructions

  1. Spread dry lentils out on a baking sheet. Look through, pick out, and discard any stones or deformed lentils.
  2. Transfer lentils to a colander and rinse under cold water to remove dust and any remaining debris.
  3. Add lentils and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, and simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well.

Notes

  • Transfer cooked lentils to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Lentils: Unlike beans, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking.
  • Salt: Salting lentils at the start of the cooking process can toughen the outer skins. Flavor the cooking liquid all you want with aromatics, but keep the salt away until the lentils are finished cooking.
  • Yield: This method will leave you with about 2 1/2 cups of cooked lentils, enough for four, servings about one heaping 1/2 cup each. 
  • Storage: Transfer cooked lentils to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 0.5 cup Calories 169kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Sodium 12mg (1%) Potassium 458mg (13%) Fiber 15g (60%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 19IU (0%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 32mg (3%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings (1/2 cup each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 169 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.5 cup
Calories 169kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 12mg 1%
Potassium 458mg 10%
Fiber 15g 60%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 19IU 0%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 32mg 3%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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