Green, red, and black: the right way to cook lentils.

Lentils are a true source of beneficial nutrients. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, iron, and magnesium. You can find various types of lentils for sale: red, brown, black, yellow, green, and more. TSN explains how to properly cook different types of lentils.

How to Cook Lentils of Different Colors

Before cooking, lentils should be sorted and thoroughly rinsed. Soaking speeds up the cooking process, but lentils cook quickly anyway, so in most cases, this step is unnecessary.

Lentils are covered with cold water and cooked over medium heat, then simmered after boiling. They can "boil over," so there’s no need to cover them. Stir occasionally.

Red lentils cook the fastest – in 10-15 minutes. This is why they are often used to make cream soups, porridge, and casseroles. For a side dish, use 400 ml of water for 200 g of red lentils, which will result in a thick and soft dish.

Brown lentils take longer to cook – about 25-40 minutes. They should be boiled in water at a ratio of 1:2. Bring to a boil, add salt, reduce the heat, and simmer until the lentils are done. All the water should be absorbed by the lentils. If there isn’t enough water, add a bit more.

The method for cooking regular green lentils is similar to that for brown lentils. However, green lentils de Puy look different from regular green lentils. You can make soup from these green lentils without worrying that it will turn into mush. To cook them, pour enough water into the pot to completely cover the lentils. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook the lentils until ready, about 25-30 minutes.

Black lentils should be covered with water at a ratio of 1:2, salted, and cooked over low heat until tender – about 20-25 minutes. Add water if necessary. Alternatively, you can cook them in a large amount of salted water until ready and drain any excess water.

When to Add Salt and What to Pair With

It’s best to salt lentils during cooking, as this enhances their flavor. They pair wonderfully with vegetable oil and butter. In terms of spices, lentils go well with ginger, curry, chili pepper, black pepper, and allspice.