If you have many lentils and are looking for the best way to cook lentils on google, don’t worry because today, I will instruct you how to cook lentils on stove – perfectly and not mushy.
1. FAQs When Cooking Lentils
1.1. How Much Dry Lentils Per Person?
The amount of lentils per person can vary depending on whether the lentils are being served as a side dish or a main course.
As a main dish: You will to need 1/2 to 3/4 cup (90-135 grams) of dried lentils per person.
As a side dish: You will to need 1/4 to 1/3 cup (45-60 grams) of dried lentils per person
Remember that lentils roughly double in volume when cooked, so take this into account when measuring dry lentils.
1.2. Should Lentils be Soaked Before Cooking?
Answer for this question will depends on the type of lentils and the cooking method you will be using.
Stovetop Method: You will need to soak the lentils before cooking if using brown and green lentils. For red lentils and yellow lentils, you will don’t need soak before cooking.
For Instant Pot Method: you won’t need to soak the lentils before cooking, no matter what type of lentils you use.
1.3. What is the Ratio of Lentils to Water?
The ratio of lentils to water can vary depending on the type of lentils being cooked and the desired consistency.
For brown lentils & green lentils: The ratio of lentils to water is 1 cup lentils : 3 cups water
For red and yellow lentils: The ratio of lentils to water is 1 cup lentils : 2 cups water
2. How To Cook Lentils on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup of brown or green lentils
- 3 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
Pour warm water into a large bowl then add lentils and soak for 4 hours, finally rinse and drain.
Add soaked lentils, water, turmeric powder, paprika, and salt then mix well. If you want lentils to taste well, you can use bone broth or vegetable broth instead of using filtered water for cooking beans.
Close the lid and boil water quickly over high heat. When the water boils, reduce the heat to maintain a very mild boiling and cook lentils for 20 – 25 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy.
Check the lentils periodically and stir gently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. If needed, you can add a little more water or broth if the lentils start to dry out.
Once the lentils are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove them from heat and drain any excess liquid.
The cooked lentils are now ready to be used in various dishes or can be enjoyed as a side dish on their own.
3. What To Do With Cooked Lentils?
Toss cooked lentils with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing to create a hearty and nutritious salad. You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.
Add cooked lentils to your favorite soup or stew recipe to boost its nutritional content and add texture. Lentils work well in hearty vegetable soups, lentil soups, or even as a substitute for meat in chili.
Combine cooked lentils with breadcrumbs, onions, herbs, and spices to form a mixture that can be shaped into patties. Pan-fry or bake the patties for a delicious vegetarian or vegan burger option.
Grain Bowls: Create nutritious grain bowls by combining cooked lentils with cooked grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. Top with roasted vegetables, a protein of your choice, and a drizzle of dressing for a well-balanced meal.
Serve cooked lentils as a simple and healthy side dish. Season them with herbs, spices, or a splash of lemon juice for added flavor.
To have a bowl of perfect lentils, learning how to cook lentils on stovetop properly is essential; I hope after reading this article you can easily make other lentils recipes and have a great dinner. Good luck
