Cooking lentils. Lentils are easy to prepare and cook, and can be used as a side dish, added to soups or stews, or used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. However you cook lentils (in a pot, a slow cooker, a pressure cooker or a Thermomix), we have cooking times and temperatures for you! Translation in French: lentilles.
Lentils
How do I cook lentils?
- Preparing lentils
- Cooking lentils in a pot (in water)
- Cooking lentils with a pressure cooker
- Cooking lentils with a slow cooker
- Cooking lentils in a Thermomix
What to pair lentils with?
Lentils can be eaten on their own and served with sausages, lamb, pork roast, vegetable curries or rice.
Cooking peas: green peas, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, snap peas, chickpeas...
Preparing lentils
Here are simple steps to prepare lentils. If you use dry lentils, sort through them to remove any damaged lentils. Then, rinse them in cold water. Soak them in water for 30 minutes to an hour. Soaking will help to reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
If you use lentils from a jar or a can, they are already cooked: simply drain and rinse them.
Cook lentils in pot
Cooking lentils in a pot. To boil lentils:
1. Place the lentils in a pot and cover with 2-3 cups of water per cup of lentils.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Pressure cooker lentils
Cooking lentils with a pressure cooker. To pressure cook lentils:
1. Add 2-3 cups of water per cup of lentils in the pressure cooker.
2. Cook them on high pressure for 10-15 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
Slow cooker lentils
Cooking lentils with a slow cooker. To slow cook lentils:
1. Combine 2-3 cups of water per cup of lentils in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
Thermomix lentils
Cooking lentils in a Thermomix requires little effort. Here’s what you should do:
1. Mince and sauté vegetables in the bowl (onions and carrots)
2. Add 50 grams of tomato paste and 300 grams of dry lentils and 700 grams of water.
3. Cook for 35 minutes; Stirring mode, reverse direction at 100°C.