Description
Learn how to cook lentils on the stovetop and Instant Pot with this step-by-step guide complete with a recipe and tips and tricks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup lentils, picked through and rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf or 3 sprigs of thyme (optional)
- 1 shallot, peeled (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare (Stovetop): Add lentils, water, herbs, and shallot to a medium pot.
- Boil: Turn on heat and bring lentils to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Cover and reduce heat to let simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Strain: Remove from heat, discard herbs and shallot, and strain lentils.
- Season: Place lentils in a bowl and add salt.
- Finish: Stir in olive oil and additional seasonings if serving as a side.
- Instant Pot Alternative: Add lentils, water, and herbs to the liner; cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes with a 5-minute natural release; strain and season.
Notes
Leftover lentils stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. To freeze, drain and cool completely, freeze on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a storage bag for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot, Stove Top
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 401 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 599 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 29 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: how do you cook lentils, how to cook lentils, how to make lentils, how to prepare lentils