Description
Learn how to cook lentils perfectly so they turn out tender, healthy, and never mushy using a simple stovetop method.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 small piece kombu, about 3 to 4 inches (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh sieve and remove any debris or small stones.
- Add the lentils, water, bay leaf, and kombu to a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a very low simmer and cover.
- Cook for 20 to 30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Drain the lentils, remove the bay leaf and kombu, and serve.
Notes
- Do not add salt until after cooking to keep lentils tender.
- Cooked lentils keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Basics
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 13mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg