How to Cook Lentils

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Lentils are the perfect addition to several types of sweet and savory recipes. Their earthy, nutty-flavor means they complement rather than overpower countless dishes! Inside this post you’ll learn how to cook lentils, what you can do with them once they’re ready to eat, and troubleshoot the rather fast cooking process! {Gluten-Free + Vegan}

Spiriteds, have you ever tried lentils? These tiny legumes are about as versatile as a legume can be. They have become another regular staple on our pantry shelf, so that if and when we want to add them to another dish, then we absolutely can.

But, and here’s the thing, exactly how does one cook lentils? I had to research how to cook lentils because even though there were instructions on the package, I still didn’t feel like I was ready to tackle that business. I needed to do my own homework because I am challenged sometimes. The simplest answer might be the “correctest” answer, but that doesn’t mean I’ll find it. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

This is like that time I researched how to cook with coconut oil. I could not understand if or how it was a solid but also a liquid but also a solid. Same with lentils. I mean, lentils are a solid and also a legume. But are they firm or mushy? Yes. Depends on the lentil variety. Do we cook them in water but then also drain them? Yes and yes. What do we do with them once they are ready (AND HOW WILL WE KNOW WHEN WE’VE REACHED THE READY POINT?) These were the questions of my life. 

Spiriteds, I’ve got answers. So grab a saucepan, and let’s cook some lentils!

Lentils are

• A legume (like chickpeas and beans)
• Vegan and gluten-free
• Round in shape
• Earthy and nutty in flavor

Side note: Always check packaging to ensure the lentils you are buying meet your dietary needs, especially if the packaging includes added ingredients.

How to cook lentils: the basics

1. To a saucepan add lentils and enough water to cover the top of the lentils by about 1 inch. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until desired doneness is achieved. Cook times may vary by lentil variety and amount cooked at a time, so always check package instructions before beginning. Stir the lentils periodically, especially if preparing more than one cup at a time. This helps ensure the lentils are evenly cooked.
2. Drain the lentils and transfer them back to the saucepan or to a serving bowl. Or add the lentils to another recipe of your choice. If adding to a cold recipe, such as a salad, then first rinse the cooked lentils in cool water and drain. If adding to recipe that you don’t want watered down, drain the lentils after cooking them and set them aside for about a minute or two. Then drain again to release any liquid that may not have drained the first time.
3. Refrigerate leftover lentils in an airtight container and consume within about 5 days. Be sure to check the lentils throughout the week to ensure they haven’t gotten soggy or spoiled.

Troubleshooting how to cook lentils

• Should I season and salt my lentils as they cook? This depends on your personal preference, and especially how you intend to use the lentils. I often don’t over-salt or over-season lentils when I cook them because I plan to add them to other recipes. If you are cooking lentils to enjoy by themselves, then by all means, season and salt to your heart’s content.
• How will I know when the lentils are done cooking? You’ll know the lentils are done when they have softened but aren’t mushy. They may deepen in color and should still retain their shape when gently handled.
• Why are my cooked lentils mushy? One reason is they are overcooked. I err on the side of under-cooking my lentils to prevent this. But another reason they are mushy could be the particular type of lentil you’re cooking. According to Jeanine and Jack at Love & Lemons in their blog post How to Cook Lentils, some lentils like regular green and brown lentils are naturally on the mushier side.

What can I do with lentils once they are done cooking?

• Enjoy them on their own. This earthy legume is tasty in its own right. Add a slug of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt to the saucepan as they cook. Then season with additional flavorings as desired and dig in!
• Add to salads. This has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy lentils. They do an excellent job of absorbing salad flavors, including dressings and drizzles, so that each salad bite is delightfully balanced. I find this to be especially true when I add lentils to my Apple Pecan Salad!
• Throw them in a stock pot. If you are making a soup or stew and want added bulk and fiber without altering the overall taste of your recipe, then throw a cup or two of uncooked lentils into the mix. If you don’t want them to turn mushy, then consider adding the lentils towards the end of the cook time – think maybe 20-30 minutes or so left.

Side note: Lentils are tasty in sweet AND savory dishes. 

Spiriteds, stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun when you can, and always remember I’m glad you’re here. ❤️

How to Cook Lentils

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Lentils are the perfect addition to several types of sweet and savory recipes. Their earthy, nutty-flavor means they complement rather than overpower countless dishes! Inside this post you’ll learn how to cook lentils, what you can do with them once they’re ready to eat, and troubleshoot the rather fast cooking process! {Gluten-Free + Vegan}

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Varies
• Category: How-Tos
• Method: Stovetop
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• Lentils (approximately one cup)
• Water (enough to cover the lentils by about an inch)
• Optional: olive oil and a pinch of sea salt

Helpful equipment:

• Saucepan with a lid
• Strainer or colander

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. To a saucepan add lentils and enough water to cover the top of the lentils by about 1 inch. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until desired doneness is achieved. Cook times may vary by lentil variety and amount cooked at a time, so always check package instructions before beginning. Stir the lentils periodically, especially if preparing more than one cup at a time. This helps ensure the lentils are evenly cooked.
2. Drain the lentils and transfer them back to the saucepan or to a serving bowl. Or add the lentils to another recipe of your choice. If adding to a cold recipe, such as a salad, then first rinse the cooked lentils in cool water and drain. If adding to recipe that you don’t want watered down, drain the lentils after cooking them and set them aside for about a minute or two. Then drain again to release any liquid that may not have drained the first time.
3. Refrigerate leftover lentils in an airtight container and consume within about 5 days. Be sure to check the lentils throughout the week to ensure they haven’t gotten soggy or spoiled.

Notes

• If you are cooking lentils to enjoy by themselves, then season and salt as desired. If you plan to add them to other recipes, then err on the side of fewer, if any, added flavors.
• You’ll know the lentils are done when they have softened but aren’t mushy. They may deepen in color and should still retain their shape when gently handled.
• If your lentils are mushy, then it’s possible they were overcooked or the particular variety used is prone to mushiness. If in doubt, err on the side of shorter cook times.