How to Cook Lentils for getting maximum Benefits :- Are you unsure of how to cook lentils despite having a bag in your pantry? or put them to use? These are my go-to, time-tested methods for cooking brown and green lentils from scratch in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove.
How to Cook Lentils for getting maximum BenefitsÂ
One fantastic plant-based protein that works well in many recipes in place of meat is lentils. broths, marinades, and even “meat” loaves. Moreover, they’re a terrific pantry staple that make it simple to put together a nutritious dinner when purchased dry!
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 cupbrown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
- Water, broth or stock, amount depends on cooking method. See individual method below.
- seasoning of choice,
INSTRUCTIONS
TO COOK LENTILS ON THE STOVE TOP
After washing, transfer the lentils to a large sauce pot and pour in three cups of water, broth, or stock.
Add your preferred seasoning.
A boil is achieved in the saucepan. Once the lentils are soft, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Increase the cooking time to 30 to 35 minutes if you’d like your lentils softer.
After cooking, thoroughly drain the lentils. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.
Take pleasure in it or allow it to cool and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
TO COOK LENTILS IN THE INSTANT POT
Put the rinsed lentils in the Instant Pot and add three cups of stock, broth, or water to cover.
Add your preferred seasoning.
Put your Instant Pot’s lid on and secure it. Verify that the top valve is set to sealing.
For nine minutes, cook under HIGH pressure. Your Instant Pot will need roughly ten minutes to reach pressure.
After the cooking time is up, quickly and safely release the pressure by turning the top valve to venting. Keep in mind that this releases hot steam, so when you turn the valve, keep your hands away from the vent (sometimes I prefer to use tongs for this).
Make sure lentils are the right softness. If you would want your lentils to be softer, use the Instant Pot’s Sauté function and cook the lentils until the right consistency is achieved.
Drain lentils with care. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.
Take pleasure in it or allow it to cool and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
TO COOK LENTILS IN SLOW COOKER
After rinsing, add 4 cups of water, broth, or stock to your slow cooker and cover the lentils.
Place a cover on and cook for 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW. Since each slow cooker cooks food at a different temperature, the amount of time varies depending on it.
After the lentils are cooked, carefully drain them. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.
Take pleasure in it or allow it to cool and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutritional information
- Serving: 0.5cup
- Calories: 167kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Potassium: 452mg
- Fiber: 14g
- Sugar:Â 1g
- Vitamin a: 18iu
- Vitamin c: 2mg
- Calcium:Â 26mg
- Iron: 4mg
