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How To Cook Lentils

March 21, 2023 by Lindsay 4 Comments

Learn how to cook dried green lentils in this step-by-step tutorial. You can cook a whole bag at once and freeze for future use!

how to cook dried green lentils

Hi friends!

This is a post that has been several years coming! Pretty much ever since I posted my recipe for Lentil Banana Muffins back in 2011, I’ve been getting questions about how to cook lentils. I finally got my act together to write out the process for you so that anyone can learn!

how to cook lentils

How To Cook Green Lentils

This post is specifically about how to cook green (or brown) lentils. This is the kind I use most often and always have in my pantry. They are high in fiber and potassium and they’re full of antioxidants. They hold their shape when cooked and can easily be combined with ground meat in things like tacos, sloppy joes and pasta sauce.

Beyond our favorite banana muffins, I also use them in Chocolate Lentil Bars, Lentil Sloppy Joes and Pesto Lentil Balls. You can also learn How To Make Roasted Lentils or How To Sprout Lentils.

Need more ideas? Here are 20+ Healthy Green Lentil Recipes.

Apple Cinnamon Red Lentil Muffins

How To Cook Red Lentils

Red lentils are another great option. I use them in my Apple Cinnamon Red Lentil Muffins and my Vegan Red Lentil Curry. However, they cook differently than green and brown lentils. Red lentils cook in only 5 minutes and tend to lose their shape. They’re best used for baking and in soups and stews where they can help thicken the broth. Or try them in my Red Lentil Pancakes!

Here are 15+ Red Lentil Recipes for you to try!

How Long Do Lentils Take To Cook

The great thing about lentils is that they cook super quickly. Once the water is boiling they just need to simmer for 12-15 minutes! This means if you don’t have any on hand in the freezer, you can easily cook some up while preparing other meal components and add them to a 20-minute meal.

how to cook lentils on the stove step-by-step

How To Cook Lentils on the Stove

So let me show you how to cook lentils on the stove top:

  • Add lentils to a pot.
  • Add water. Lentils tend to triple in size once cooked so I recommend about 4 cups water per 1 cup dried lentils.
  • Cover the pot and bring water to a boil. Once it boils, reduce to a simmer and let cook for 12-15 minutes. Exact cooking time will depend on your desired degree of doneness. I prefer mine on the firm side so 12 minutes works well for me but you can continue to simmer them until they’re as soft as you want.
  • Drain the excess water. There will be water left. Lentils do not absorb all the water you put in like when cooking rice. Rinse lentils with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Let cool completely before freezing (if desired).
how to freeze green lentils

How To Freeze Lentils

When I cook lentils, I tend to cook a whole bag at once and freeze most of them. Since I most often use them for baking and most of my recipes call for 1 cup, I freeze in once cup portions but if you plan to use for meals you could freeze in 2-3 cup portions.

Simply let the lentils cool completely, then scoop into storage bags, remove excess air and freeze flat.

When you’re ready to use them, transfer a bag to the fridge overnight, or put frozen lentils in a bowl and microwave to defrost.

how to cook dried green lentils on the stove top

How To Cook Lentils

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How To Cook Lentils

how to cook dried green lentils
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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Learn how to cook dried green lentils on the stove top in this step-by-step tutorial. You can cook a whole bag at once and freeze the extras for later.

  • Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

Scale

1 bag dried green or brown lentils

8 cups water (approximately 4 cups per 1 cup dried lentis)

Instructions

  1. Place lentils in a large pot.
  2. Add water.
  3. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  4. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until lentils reach desired tenderness.
  5. Drain excess water and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  6. If freezing, let cool completely and portion into storage bags to freeze.

Did you make this recipe?

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See how easy it is?! I can’t wait for you to make some because they’re such a versatile plant protein option.

Learn how to cook dried green lentils in this step-by-step tutorial. You can cook a whole bag at once and freeze for future use!

How To Cook Lentil Soup

Lentils are also a great option for soup because they can cook right in the broth. Simply add a cup to your favorite soup and let them simmer. Need a recipe? Try these:

  • Lentil Soup from Recipe Tin Eats
  • Best Lentil Soup from Cookie + Kate
  • Lentil Soup Recipe from Alton Brown

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Dinner, Food Prep Tagged With: Lentils

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dylan Smith says

    April 4, 2023 at 2:05 AM

    I’ve always wanted to try cooking with lentils but never knew where to start. and The recipe ideas at the end were also really helpful and inspiring. Can’t wait to give some of them a try! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  2. Yvette Chilcott says

    April 19, 2023 at 8:05 AM

    I didn’t know that lentils could be used in baking, thank you. I always soak my beans and legumes before cooking to aid in digestibility and nutrition, and thought that was “the right way”. Why don’t you soak first?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 19, 2023 at 8:09 AM

      you definitely can soak and it does help with digestibility for a lot of people. I often soak beans but not lentils because lentils don’t bother my stomach. Soaking typically decreases cooking time so be sure to factor that in!

      Reply
  3. S says

    April 19, 2023 at 8:50 AM

    Great post. I have followed you for years and now have my own little one. I boiled a full bag of lentils when I baked your banana lentil muffins and froze the remainder. I feel ahead of the game!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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Learn how food affects your body.

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