Cooking Lentils - Top Tips and Recipe Ideas

Cooking lentils is really very straightforward. Lentils cook quickly and, in contrast to most dried beans, you don't need to soak them. There are so many benefits of lentils, it is definitely worth making them a more regular part of your diet. Lentils are a highly nutritious food; a great source of protein, fibre, iron and B vitamins. They are tasty and satisfying but low calorie and low fat, making them a great addition to your diet too if you are trying to lose weight.

Cooking Different Types Of Lentils

There are a huge number of varieties of lentil so when it comes to cooking lentils, there are a few variables too. For example, split varieties will cook much quicker than whole varieties. Batches that have been stored for a long time will be tougher and will take longer to cook. For this reason, it is best not to take any cooking times as 100% exact. When cooking lentils, it is essential to taste and check as you go.

Red Lentils

Split red lentils are one of the most popular varieties and they are the quickest to cook. They should be covered with about twice their volume of cold water. Bring them to the boil and simmer very gently for 10 to 20 minutes. They love to stick to the bottom of the pan, so keep an eye on them. They will absorb water and become a thick yellow puree when cooked. Because of their texture, these lentils are very popular in soups but they can also be turned into wonderful savoury dishes like burgers, savory loaf or pie. If you are planning on making a loaf or burgers, cut down on the water a little when cooking. Herbs, spices, or cheeses can be used to transform this simple lentil into to a tasty feast.

Green Or Brown Lentils

One of the other most popular types of lentils is the whole green or brown lentil. These take about 30 - 40 minutes to cook. These lentils will hold their shape when cooked so just cover them in plenty of water and boil them vigorously until they are tender. They are a great addition to a hearty stew or soup and make a fantastic ingredient in a vegetarian shepherds pie or moussaka. They also make an excellent salad.

Once you get the hang of it, try experimenting with other varieties. These tasty little legumes are very versatile and you will be amazed at the number of completely different and delicious dishes you can create with them.