How to cook different colored lentils

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Tips to keep the beans from boiling or staying tough.

7 important tips

1. Any lentils first need to get rid of debris and rinse thoroughly under running water. And then either soak or cook - it all depends on the color.
2. When boiling, there should be twice as much liquid as the beans. That is, for 1 glass of lentils, you need to take 2 glasses of cold water.
3. First, the legumes are cooked over medium heat, and after boiling the water, over low heat. You do not need to cover the pot with a lid. But the foam is worth removing.
4. Salting lentils is recommended at the end of cooking. If you add salt at the beginning, it will take longer to cook.
5. Stir the beans from time to time to prevent them from burning.
6. Rely on the cooking times listed in the recommendations below, but consider your own taste. Maybe you want to soften the lentils, or vice versa.
7. You can diversify the taste of lentils with your favorite spices, herbs or vegetables. Legumes are a great addition to fried onions and carrots, to which you can add tomatoes, garlic and bell peppers.

How to cook green lentils

It retains its shape best. Therefore, it will look great in salads and those dishes where whole beans are needed.

Soak lentils in cold water for 1–2 hours. Drain and rinse under running water.

Place in a saucepan and cover with clean water. After boiling, cook the lentils for about 40 minutes.

How to cook brown lentils

These lentils retain their shape almost as well as green lentils. It makes great soups, casseroles and stews.

Pour cold water over the beans, leave for 40-60 minutes, and then rinse under running water and transfer to a saucepan.

Pour in clean water, let it boil and cook for about 30 minutes.

How to cook red and yellow lentils

Red and yellow lentils do not require soaking and boil well. Therefore, it is perfect for making mashed potatoes, cereals and thick soups.

Place the washed lentils in a saucepan and add water. After boiling water, cook the legumes for 10-15 minutes.