How to Cook Red Lentils

Buckle up and get ready to learn all about red lentils and how to cook them!

Red Lentils are known for their high levels of protein (even more than beans)! They are considered to be a superfood with lots of vitamins and minerals that are oh so good for you! 

Reasons to love red lentils!

• They provide B vitamins.  AMAZING!
• They are very high in protein.
• Eating just one cup of cooked red lentils each day provides 90% of your daily folate.

What are red lentils?

Red Lentils are actually yellow lentils that are hulled and split. They are small and puree very smoothly. Since they are been hulled and split they are the quickest cooking lentils.

Red lentils are slightly sweet, yet mild, and a bit earthy tasting with a very creamy texture.

How to cook red lentils on the stovetop:

First, rinse your lentils well in a fine mesh sieve. You want to rinse and move the lentils around with your hand until the lentils run clear. If you see any stones or non-lentil pieces, remove them.

Next, combine 1 cup red lentils with 3 cups of water and a BIG pinch of salt. Bring this to a boil and reduce to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook until they reach your desired texture. This will usually take anywhere from 5 to 12 minutes. For softer lentils, cook for more time, for firmer lentils, cook for less time.

Drain away any excess water and your lentils are ready.

How to cook red lentils in the instant pot:

The instant pot is great for cooking ultra creamy and tender red lentils. It creates a soft and luscious puree.

To cook, combine 1 cup lentils with 2 cups water (or broth!) and a BIG pinch of salt. Make sure the lid is secure and the steam release valve is in the sealed position. Set your instant pot cook at a high pressure for about 3 to 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then turn the steam release valve to “venting” and release and remaining pressure.

Water to red lentils ratio:

Here are the water to lentils ratio for different cooking methods:

• 1 cup lentils with 2 cups water for and Instant Pot

• 1 cup lentils with 3 cups water for the Stove Top

The key is to make sure that there is about 2-3 inches of water above the lentils

If you have any excess water once the lentils are done cooking, simply drain it off.

How long to cook red lentils. 

You want to make sure that you cook your red lentils the right amount of time for the texture you are looking for! The longer you cook the lentils the more soft and creamy they become. 

Cook stove top lentils for 5-12 minutes. 5 minutes gives you a very firm texture. Firm lentils are perfect for salads.

The longer you go the softer they become. With 10+ minutes of cooking time you will get very creamy, pureed, lentils, which are great in curry or soup.

Instant Pot lentils can be cooked for 3-5 minutes giving you that great creamy, tender and soft texture.

Do you need to soak red lentils?

You do not need to soak lentils! 

But it doesn't hurt to quickly rinse them in a bowl of water or fine mesh sieve to remove any bit of debris on them!

How to store red lentils:

Lentils that aren't cooked can be stored in a cool, dry place. If the bag is already opened, store in a jar or airtight container.

Leftover cooked lentils can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to wait for them to cool completely before storing.

Reheat lentils in the microwave or saucepan until warmed through.

Are red lentils healthy?

Red Lentils are incredibly healthy!

They are high in fiber and protein. They are naturally gluten free, contain calcium, iron, potassium and folate, and have anti- inflammatory properties. A real nutritional powerhouse!

Flavors that pair well with red lentils:

Red lentils don't have a lot of flavor on their own, they usually need some salt, herbs and other spices to am up the flavor.

• Sauté garlic and onion in a pot and then add in your red lentils and water (or broth!).
• Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili powder go great with red lentils. Add them when cooking the lentils.
• Tomatoes, spinach and chili peppers go well with lentils. Cook them together.
• Add cilantro and parsley after cooking your lentils.
• A dollop of plain, or savory, yogurt is great on top of cooked lentils.

How to serve red lentils?

Red Lentils can be the star in many dishes!

• Salads
• Soups
• Dips - use them in place of garbanzo beans to make hummus!
• Dal and curry dishes
• And more!

Recipes using red lentils!

• 20 Minute Curry Red Lentil Salad
• Lebanese Lentil Soup
• Red Lentil Veggie Nuggets
• 30 Minute Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry
• Easy Dal Tadka
• One Pot Sweet Potato Red Lentil Dal
• Freezer Meal: Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dal - similar to the above recipe, but freezer friendly!