How and how much to cook lentils?

The process of cooking lentils in stages and useful tips:

• water must be poured into the pan (the proportion is calculated on the condition that exactly twice as much liquid is needed for 1 glass of lentils);
• it is not necessary to soak the lentils before cooking (this procedure will not affect the consistency of the final dish, and there will be no sense from it);
• red lentils have a firmer consistency and hold their shape well after boiling (other varieties can boil too long if boiled for too long);
• it is necessary to cook lentils over low or medium heat (a strong fire will help to evaporate moisture, but the cooking process will not speed up);
• lentils are put into water from the initial stage of cooking and brought to a boil over low heat;
• in order for the lentils after cooking to be softer and more aromatic, during the cooking process, you can add a few tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil to it;
• it is better to cover the pan with lentils with a lid (but not completely close it);
• it is recommended to add salt to lentils a few minutes before cooking (the amount of salt is calculated in accordance with individual preferences);
• in the process of cooking lentils, you can use various spices to enhance the taste of the final dish (rosemary and sage are especially recommended);
• during the cooking of lentils, a characteristic foam forms on the surface of the water, which does not need to be removed (the foam disappears after a few minutes and its appearance is not considered a deviation);
• during the cooking process, the lentils must be stirred periodically (otherwise, they may cook unevenly or burn, sticking to the bottom of the pan);
• after bringing the lentils to readiness, it is recommended to throw the cereals in a colander or rinse with cold water (if you leave the grains in the pan, they can become loose and falling apart).

It is recommended to cook brown or red lentils in a multicooker (the green variety has a long cooking time, so it is quite difficult to cook it in a multicooker). The grains are poured into a special container, and the proportions of water and lentils are calculated according to the traditional rule. Lentils are cooked in a slow cooker in the “porridge” mode. Salt and spices can be added to the cereal as soon as it is placed in a bowl of liquid.

When cooking lentils in the microwave, the cooking process will differ in some nuances.:

• lentils are poured not with cold, but with hot water;
• if necessary, add water and extend the cooking time (in the microwave, the liquid can evaporate faster than in a regular saucepan);
• you do not need to cover the container with lentils.

Features of cooking lentils in a double boiler:

• you will need more water than when cooking in a regular saucepan (for 1 glass of lentils you need 3 glasses of water);
• the timer on the steamer must be set to 45 minutes.

How much to cook lentils

The cooking time of lentils directly depends on its variety and method of preparation. In a multicooker, for example, it takes longer to cook than in a regular saucepan. When choosing a cooking method, one must take into account the fact that the taste properties of the final dish may differ. When cooked in the traditional way in an enamel pot, the lentils are richer and more flavorful.

Lentil cooking time depending on the variety (in a saucepan):

• green lentils are cooked for 45 minutes;
• brown lentils are cooked through within 25 minutes;
• red lentils will be ready in 20-25 minutes.

Lentil cooking time depending on the cooking method:

• in a regular saucepan, lentils are cooked for 20-45 minutes, depending on the variety;
• in a multivac, the cereal comes to readiness after 50 minutes;
• in a double boiler, cereals are cooked for 45 minutes (regardless of the variety);
• in the microwave, the lentils are cooked for 10-25 minutes.

After cooking, the lentils can be re-cooked. For example, add meat or vegetables to it, and then re-stew the dish.