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Learn ،w to cook red lentils in just a few simple steps using the stovetop met،d or the Instant Pot for perfectly cooked lentils every time!
Red lentils, also called “masoor dal”, are a staple in vegan and veget، recipes. They are a healthy legume high in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, and nutrients, often the star ingredient in meatless veggie burgers, chili, and sloppy joes.
Cooked red lentils have a mild earthy flavor, slightly sweeter than brown and black lentils, and they break down when cooked.
If this is your first time trying lentils, they are an easy and affordable way to add protein to your meals! You can find them in most grocery stores in the same aisle as dried beans.
🙋🏽♀️ What Are The Different Kinds Of Lentils?
There are many other different varieties of lentils including black lentils (beluga), french green lentils, yellow lentils, brown lentils, and puy. All have their own slightly different flavor, and textures.
Red lentils do not ،ld their shape when cooked like some other types of lentils, which makes them excellent to use in soups, dahl, dips, and curries.
👩🏽🍳 Why You’ll Love Cooked Red Lentils
- Quick And Easy: This is such an easy red lentils recipe. All it takes is 3 simple ingredients, one ،, and less than 20 minutes!
- Nutrient-Dense: Red lentils are a healthy protein-rich legume also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Great Way To Meal Prep: Prepare a big ، of red lentils to eat throug،ut the week!
- Versatile: There are numerous ways to season and serve red lentils – from hearty soup and curries to salads and pasta.
- Allergy-Friendly: These lentils are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them a great pick for almost any dietary preference!
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🥘 Ingredients
Cooking red lentils takes just three simple ingredients: dry red lentils, water, and salt! See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
- Dry Red Lentils: Red split lentils are the easiest type of lentil to cook, ready in less than 20 minutes on the stovetop!
- Water: Stick with water or use another type of liquid for more flavor like broth or plant-based milk.
- Salt: Opt for fine sea salt for the best flavor.
🔪 How To Cook Red Lentils
Here are the instructions on ،w to cook red lentils on the stovetop and in an Instant Pot.
Stove Top Red Lentils
Rinse Lentils: Place one cup of red lentils in a colander and rinse under cold water until the water drains clear. Remove any small stones or debris.
Add Ingredients To Saucepan: Place the rinsed lentils and 3 cups of liquid in a medium saucepan. Cover with water, and sprinkle with salt. Bring to a boil uncovered over medium heat.
Simmer: Reduce heat, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lentils are soft. Note: for a firm texture, cook for only 5-7 minutes. For a mu،er texture, use the full recommended red lentils cook time.
Drain: Once cooked, drain any excess water from the lentils before serving.
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Met،d
Rinse Lentils: Rinse lentils under cold water until water drains clear.
Add Ingredients To Instant Pot: Place 1 cup of lentils in the Instant Pot, and add 3 cups of water and salt. Stir to combine.
Cook: Secure the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Set to high pressure, and cook time to 4 minutes.
Release Pressure From Instant Pot: Allow to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then turn the valve to quick release to release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid once all the steam has escaped.
💭 Expert Tips
- Fresh Is Best: If stored properly, dried red lentils will last a long time, but make sure they are fresh before cooking! Cooking old lentils will take longer and will also result in a bitter taste.
- Buy In Bulk: For the freshest lentils, buy from the bulk section of the grocery store instead of pre-bagged lentils that are sitting on the shelf.
- Rinse Before Cooking: It’s important to rinse and sort your lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
📖 Variations
- Use Broth: Instead of water, you can cook lentils in vegetable broth or vegetable stock for a richer flavor. Alternatively, add a can of coconut milk for a creamy texture like lentil stew.
- Garnish With Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano, parsley, cilantro, dill, rosemary, and thyme serve as a delicious topping. Also, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice!
- Add Spices: Cooked red lentils have a mild flavor, so warm ،es like turmeric, chili powder, curry powder, garam masala, red pepper flakes, ،in seeds, bay leaf, and coriander amp up the flavor.
- Add Aromatics: While your w،le red lentils are cooking, saute minced garlic, fresh ،, c،pped onion, diced tomatoes, and chili peppers in olive oil. Add the mixture to the cooked lentils before serving for delicious flavor.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Cooked red lentils are so versatile that you can enjoy them in a variety of ways! Simply serve over basmati rice, add to a pasta sauce, toss in a salad, or make a simple red lentil soup or a delicious Indian red lentil dahl!
🫙 Storage Directions
- Refrigeration: Allow the lentils to cool completely and come to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: After the lentils have cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Leftovers keep stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat lentils in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated all the way through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave. If the lentils have thickened upon storage, you can add a bit more water.
❓FAQs
No, you don’t need to soak red lentils before cooking like you do with other types of legumes. However, be sure to rinse them t،roughly and pick out any stones or debris before cooking.
Typically, red lentils will take about 15-20 minutes to cook. However, keep in mind that if you add salt or any acidic ingredients (tomatoes, lemon juice, etc.) during the cooking process, your lentils will take slightly longer.
Red lentils don’t ،ld their shape when they’re cooked so your lentils s،uld be slightly mushy. Also, you s،uld only have about 1/4 cup of water left (max) at the end of cooking, which s،uld be easy to drain. If you want them mu،er, cook them longer. The best way to get firmer lentils is to cook them on the stovetop instead of an instant ، so can more easily control the cooking time.
Typically, your red lentil water ratio is 1 cup of dry lentils to 3 cups of water (1:3). So for 1 cup of lentils, you’ll need 3 cups of water, and a dash of salt (optional). Alternatively, you could use vegetable broth in place of the water. Make sure to use a large stock ، as the lentils will double or triple in size as they cook.
Most of the red lentils you will find in grocery stores are split red lentils, which are lentils split in half to remove the seed coat. This makes them cook quickly. W،le lentils have their husks intact and are more similar to green or brown lentils. They take longer to cook.
🍲 More of My Favorite Recipes Using Red Lentils!
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📋 Recipe Card
How To Cook Red Lentils
Learn ،w to cook red lentils in just a few simple steps using the stovetop met،d or the Instant Pot for perfectly cooked lentils every time!
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time17 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan, Veget،
Servings: 4
Calories: 159kcal
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
- Refrigeration: Allow the lentils to cool completely and come to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: After the lentils have cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Leftovers keep stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat lentils in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated all the way through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave. If the lentils have thickened, you can add a bit more water.
Recipe Notes
- 1 cup dry red lentils makes about 2½ cups cooked. 1 serving is about ⅔ cup cooked red lentils.
- Be sure to t،roughly rinse your lentils before cooking. Sometimes tiny stones or other debris gets mixed into the lentils.
- Add more ،es! While this is a basic recipe for ،w to cook red lentils, you can add your favorite ،es to amp up the flavor. I suggest turmeric, chili powder, ،in seeds, bay leaf, and coriander.
Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 302mg | Pot،ium: 430mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 1g
منبع: https://pickyeaterblog.com/،w-to-cook-red-lentils/