Lentils are fibrous, low-fat, and protein-rich legumes! They are available in a wide variety and primarily grown in Canada, Turkey, & India. Let’s check out how to cook lentils in a slow-cooker and the oven.
1. Ingredient
Lentils are a healthy ingredient that has a coarse texture. It can be prepared with a host of spices, herbs, veggies as well as meat.
A staple food of India, the delectable lentil stew or soup is mostly consumed with steamed rice or flatbreads. Columbians, on the other hand, prefer their lentils with pork fat.
2. How to Cook Lentils
Lentils are a filling ingredient that can be prepared in the slow-cooker, microwave as well as on the stove. The total cook time varies depending on the cooking utensil used, using soaked or raw lentils, and choosing to add extra flavorings.
2.1. How to Cook Lentils in Slow Cooker
You can cook Lentils in the slow cooker within 2 hours! If you wish to add the tempering then it will take an additional 15 minutes.
Things you’ll need:
- 2 cups red lentils
- 8 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Slow cooker (crock-pot or Instant Pot)
The Tempering (optional)
- 1 green chili (slit)
- 1 dried red chilly (slit) (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 2 teaspoon garam masala powder (spice-mix)
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil (or olive oil)
Cooking Process: Slow Cooker
Step 1:
Rinse the lentils thoroughly (until the starch is removed) and add it to the slow-cooker.
Step 2:
Pour water and add the turmeric powder, paprika, and salt to the lentils. Mix nicely.
Step 3:
Close the lid and turn on the slow-cooker. Let the lentils cook slowly for 2 hours.
You can open the lid and serve the lentils right away or relish it by adding the tempering to enhance the flavors.
Step 4:
Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Now, set the flame to medium-high heat.
Step 5:
Add the bay leaf, green chili, dried red chili, cumin seeds, and ginger-garlic paste. Fry for a minute.
Step 6:
Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes.
Step 7:
Next, add the tomatoes and fry them for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle the garam masala powder and mix for 1 minute. Turn off flame.
Step 8:
Add this tempering to the cooked lentils and mix well.
Step 9:
Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve!
2.2. How to Cook Lentils in Oven
You can cook lentils in the oven within 2 hours and 20 minutes!
Things you’ll need:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- An oven-proof bowl
Cooking Process: Oven
Step 1: Rinse the lentils well and soak them in a bowl of water for 2 hours.
Step 2: Drain the water and transfer the lentils to an oven-proof bowl.
Step 3: Add fresh water, turmeric powder, salt, and paprika. Mix all the ingredients.
Step 4: Place the bowl in the center of the microwave, and set the temperature at 525°F (900 watts). Let it cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Now take it out of the over, stir it once and put in back in the oven for 10 more minutes. Let the cooked lentils sit for 3 more minutes at room temperature.
Your lentils are ready to serve! You can prepare the tempering (as mentioned above) in the stove/microwave and add it to the lentils to make it yummier.
Now that you know how to cook lentils in the slow-cooker and the oven, you would want to prepare it often and have a deliciously filling lunch or dinner with your family.
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