5.0 from 3 votes
How to Cook Perfect Lentils
A simple, flavorful way to prepare lentils with aromatic vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect as a side dish or base for countless meals!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 356 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried lentils
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 bay leaves
- ground black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Finely chop onion, carrots, and celery.
- Melt butter in a medium-sized pot.
- Add the vegetables to the pot and sauté until lightly browned.
- Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken stock and lentils.
- Cook on medium-low heat until the lentils are done, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- The key to perfect lentils is watching their texture carefully during cooking. Different varieties require different cooking times, and even the same type can vary based on age and source. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. The ideal lentil should be tender but still hold its shape. For meal prep, I often make a large batch and portion it out for different uses throughout the week – some for salads, some for soups, and some as side dishes. Adding a splash of acid (lemon juice or vinegar) just before serving brightens the earthy flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
356kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
47g
(16%)
Protein
21g
(42%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
21mg
(7%)
Sodium
410mg
(17%)
Potassium
944mg
(27%)
Fiber
18g
(72%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
5630IU
(113%)
Vitamin C
6.9mg
(8%)
Calcium
63mg
(6%)
Iron
5.1mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 356
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 356kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 410mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 944mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 18g | 72% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 5630IU | 113% |
| Vitamin C | 6.9mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 5.1mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.