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Cooked lentils in a silver pot with some in a spoon resting on the edge of the pot.
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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.
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories 169kcal

Ingredients

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.

Notes

  1. Lentils: Unlike beans, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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

Serving: 0.5 cup | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 4mg