5.0 from 3 votes
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.
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories: 169 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (see note 1)
- 3 cups water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper optional (see note 2)
Instructions
- Spread dry lentils out on a baking sheet. Look through, pick out, and discard any stones or deformed lentils.
- Transfer lentils to a colander and rinse under cold water to remove dust and any remaining debris.
- Add lentils and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, and simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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.