Lentils?
By sedel1027
@sedel1027 (17846)
Cupertino, California
March 27, 2007 11:13pm CST
anyone know how long regular lentils normally take to cook? I have found a recipe I want to use but it just says cook until soft (same goes for the package of lentils). Trying to figure out if this is something I can start when I get off of work in the afternoon or something I should throw in the crockpot.
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5 responses
@jbrowsin66 (1321)
• United States
28 Mar 07
I would probably soak them overnight in a pot of water, then when you get home from work, rinse them, refill the pot with water and cook them. It shouldn't take that long then.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Mar 07
I knew that you shouldn't soak lentils or peas and knew I had to soak the beans (i normally cook dried beans, this is my first shot at lentils).
@Debbera (22)
• United States
28 Mar 07
You're right.. some things NEED to be soaked over night. However, lentils, split peas.. things of this nature do not need to be soaked over night. If you do soak them over night, they're going to turn to mush.
The method you mention should be used for kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans.. you get the idea. =)
@qouniq (1966)
• Malaysia
28 Mar 07
well i am not sure with this. But what i always do is soak the lentils in some amount of water until it become a bit big in size. This thing you can do may be about 1 to 3 hours before cooking them. And what i can be sure here is that after soaking them it will be more easy for you to cook them with a shorter time. And during cooking also you can add some more amount of water and let them become a bit dry - means not too much water to make sure that the lentils is soft and ready to eat.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Mar 07
But how long does it take them to get soft when you cook them?
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
30 Mar 07
I think they take about 20 minutes. Just keep on eye on them cooking and you will know. Take a little taste if you are unsure.
Lentils are great and very healthy. I use them a lot, especially in soups.
@Debbera (22)
• United States
28 Mar 07
Lentils cook fairly quickly. You should rinse them under cold, running water. Pick out any of the icky looking ones. Then put the lentils in a pot, pour in about 5-6 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Don't add salt to them for the first 20 minutes. Salt dries things out and it'll take longer for them to cook/absorb/become soft.
@chubby3367 (321)
• United States
28 Mar 07
it probably takes 45 to 60 minutes to cook lentils.But its varies with quantity.I generally soak the lentils couple of minutes before start cooking. I put 1 tbsp of oil while cooking makes more tenderness.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
28 Mar 07
Thanks. That really helps me out. I will just start them about an hour before I want to serve dinner.
