How to Cook Lentils Perfectly (Not Mushy)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
135 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian, Mediterranean
How to Cook Lentils Perfectly (Not Mushy)
Description
How to Cook Lentils Perfectly (Not Mushy) focuses on preparing one cup of lentils cooked gently in four cups of water with optional flavor enhancers like bay leaf and kombu. After rinsing and sorting to remove debris, the lentils are simmered at very low heat, ensuring they cook evenly and retain their shape rather than breaking down. The cooking time ranges between 20 to 30 minutes, adjusted to reach tenderness without softness typical of mushy lentils.
The flavor from bay leaf and kombu adds subtle depth during the simmer. Draining the lentils and discarding these aromatics before serving finishes the preparation. This technique provides a reliable way to prepare lentils suitable for a variety of dishes where intact lentil texture is desired, such as salads or as a base for dals and sides.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 cups water
Optional
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small piece kombu (approx 3 to 4 inches)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh sieve under the faucet. Inspect the lentils and remove any bad lentils or small stones.
- Add the lentils, water, bay leaf and kombu to a pot. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat to a very low simmer, cover the pot with a lid and cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
- Drain the lentils, remove the bay leaf and kombu and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 135kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Sodium | 13mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 366mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1.7mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.9mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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