How to Cook Lentils

Directions

1. 1
   Add 1 cup lentils to a fine mesh strainer. Sort and then rinse with cold water.
2. 2
   Add 1 teaspoon salt and 4 cups warm water (110F/43C) to a medium-sized bowl, stir to dissolve the salt.
3. 3
   Add lentils to the brine and allow to sit for 1 hour.
4. 4
   Drain the lentils into a fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold water. Lentils can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days after brining before cooking. Cook lentils by the stovetop or baking method.
5. 5
   Add lentils to a fine mesh strainer. Sort and then rinse with cold water. Skip step if already brined.
6. 6
   Transfer lentils to a medium-sized pot.
7. 7
   Add 3 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt.Bring water to a boil over high heat. Once it just begins to boil, reduce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Minimal agitation is the goal.
8. 8
   Add more water as needed to the pot, keeping the lentils submerged.Cook until lentils are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes for brined lentils, or 15 to 30 minutes for unbrined lentils. Time varies based on the type of lentil. Strain the cooked lentils through a fine mesh colander and transfer to a bowl or container.Set oven rack to the middle position. Preheat oven to 325F (163C).
9. 9
   Add lentils to a fine mesh strainer. Sort and then rinse then rinse with cold water. Skip step if already brined.
10. 10
    Transfer lentils to a medium-sized ovenproof pot or Dutch oven.
11. 11
    Add 4 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt.Cover pot and place in the oven.
12. 12
    Bake for 30 minutes. Check lentils for doneness, continuing to bake and checking every 5 minutes until tender.
13. 13
    Bake up to 60 minutes. Time varies depending on the type of lentil. Strain the cooked lentils through a fine mesh colander and transfer to a bowl or container.