Cooking red lentils is a delicious and nutritious way to add plant-based protein to your diet. These small, round legumes are packed with fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, learning how to cook red lentils is a simple and rewarding experience.
To start, you’ll need to rinse your red lentils thoroughly in cold water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be present and reduce the cooking time. Once your lentils are clean, add them to a pot of boiling water, broth, and any seasonings or vegetables you like. Simmer the lentils for about 20-30 minutes or until tender and fully cooked. You can also cook red lentils in a rice or pressure cooker for faster results.
While red lentils are often used in soups and stews, they can also be used in other dishes, such as salads, curries, and burgers. With their mild, nutty flavor and soft, creamy texture, red lentils are versatile ingredients that can be incorporated into almost any meal. So why not try them today and discover all the delicious ways to enjoy these healthy legumes?
What is the ratio of water to red lentils?
The ratio of lentils to water should be around 1:2. For every cup of lentils, and you will need 2 cups of water to cook them and retain their shape. Adding more water will be suitable for soups but it will let the lentils break and become mushy.
Preparing Red Lentils
Rinsing
Before cooking red lentils, it is essential to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Place the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Cooking Methods
There are several ways to cook red lentils, including boiling, simmering, and pressure cooking.
Boiling: Add the rinsed lentils and enough water to cover them by about an inch in a large pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Simmering: In a saucepan, add the rinsed lentils and enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Pressure Cooking: In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed lentils and enough water to cover them by about an inch. Cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
I use the Indian Pressure cooker and always switch off the heat before the first whistle. If you keep the lentils longer, they will become mushy, and no grain will be visible. To avoid this, don’t pressure cook the lentils for an extended period.
Seasoning and Spices
Red lentils have a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with various seasonings and spices. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic and onion powder
- Cumin and coriander
- Turmeric and ginger
- Curry powder
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme
Add your desired seasonings and spices to the pot during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. You can also sauté onions, garlic, and other aromatics before adding the lentils for extra flavor.
Recipes with Red Lentils
Red lentils are a great choice if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making them a perfect addition to any diet. Here are three easy recipes to try out:
Red Lentil Soup
To make this comforting and flavorful soup, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the carrot and celery and cook until tender.
- Add the lentils, broth, and spices, and boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.
Red Lentil Curry
For a spicy and flavorful curry, you’ll need:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large pot, sauté the onion for 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes
- Add the lentils, water, and spices, and boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve hot with rice or naan bread.
You can also boil the lentils separately and add the onion, garlic, and tomato base to the boiled lentils.
Can you freeze cooked lentils?
Red Lentil Salad
For a refreshing and healthy salad, you’ll need:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water ( you may have to add more if the lentils are not cooked properly)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large pot, bring the lentils and water to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Drain any excess water and let cool.
- Combine the lentils, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.
Health Benefits of Red Lentils
High in Protein
Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. One cup of cooked red lentils contains about 18 grams of protein, equivalent to the amount of protein in a 3-ounce serving of chicken. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body and helps keep you full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
Red lentils are also high in fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. One cup of cooked red lentils contains about 16 grams of fiber, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for adults. Fiber helps keep you feeling full, regulates your blood sugar levels, and can lower your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Low in Fat
Red lentils are naturally low in fat, with only about 1 gram of fat per cup of cooked lentils. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone watching their fat intake or trying to lose weight. Additionally, the little fat that red lentils contain is mostly unsaturated fat, considered a healthier type of fat.
Packed with Nutrients
Red lentils are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and folate. Iron is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia, while potassium helps to regulate your blood pressure. Folate is essential for healthy brain function and is especially important for pregnant women.
Do red lentils need to be soaked before cooking?
No red lentils don’t need to be soaked before cooking. These little dark orange-colored grains are easy to cook and don’t need soaking like other lentils. Soaking red lentils and cooking for a long time ( even a few minutes more) will break the grains, and lentils will turn out mushy.
Also, there is a difference between how the red split lentils cook and the whole red lentils cook. Split lentils take way less time to cook than whole red lentils.