How to Cook Lentils

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Your go-to lentil recipe for tender, flavorful results every time. Cooking times vary slightly by variety—see the blog post for detailed times and usage recommendations.

Wondering how to make lentils in the pressure cooker? Check out my Instant Pot Lentils recipe!

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Jenné Claiborne

Ingredients

1 cup lentils green, brown, French, or black
2 cups water or vegetable stock
½ tsp salt plus more to taste, optional

Instructions

Sort the lentils, removing any debris such as small pebbles, shriveled lentils, or bits of plant material. Rinse them in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water.
Add the lentils, water, and salt to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and reach your preferred texture. Black and French lentils may need about 5 extra minutes of cooking time; they should be tender but still hold their shape. Add a little more water (1/4 cup) if needed.
Season with salt to taste, and serve as a side dish or incorporate into recipes.

Video

Notes

Storage Directions:

Refrigerating: Store cooled lentils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, transfer cooled lentils to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost the lentils in the fridge overnight or in the microwave on gentle heat.

Recipe Pro-Tips:

Adjust the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the lentils as they cook, adjusting the time as needed by referring to the chart on the corresponding blog post. Overcooking lentils can cause even firmer lentil types to turn mushy.
Cooking Red lentils: Although red lentils can be cooked in this manner for only 15-20 minutes, they are much more tender and often get mushier when cooked, making them more suitable for soup and curry recipes, such as my Red Lentil Carrot Soup or Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry.
Skim Off the Foam: Like beans, lentils can release a foam during the first few minutes of cooking. Skim it off for a cleaner flavor.
Simmer: A rolling boil can break down the lentils, making them mushy. For the best texture, cook on a gentle simmer with the lid ajar.
Plan for Volume: One cup of raw lentils yields about 3 cups cooked.
Salt Optional: If you're using these lentils for a recipe, avoid salting them when cooking, unless your recipe states otherwise.

Nutrition