How to Cook Red Lentils

Learn how to cook red lentils on the stove, plus tips on seasoning, storing, and cooking with red lentils.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings ½-cup servings (2.5 cups total)

Calories 127kcal

Rinse the lentils under running water in a fine mesh strainer. Sort through the lentils to pick out and remove any shriveled or discolored ones.

If you want some of the red lentils to retain their shape, while still being cooked through, combine 1 cup lentils with 2 cups water in a pot or medium saucepan with a lid.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to very low to maintain a simmer. The simmer should be gentle with very few bubbles on the surface.
Cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice to promote even cooking. If the lentils are still not cooked through at 8 minutes, cook for a few minutes longer.
Drain excess water before serving/using.

To cook red lentils in the typical way, so that they break down into a mushy texture, combine 1 cup lentils with 3 cups water in a pot or medium saucepan with a lid.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to very low to maintain a simmer. The simmer should be gentle with very few bubbles on the surface.
Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to promote even cooking. If the lentils are still not cooked through at 10 minutes, cook for a few minutes longer.
Drain excess water before serving/using.

Seasoning ideas: Cook the lentils in vegetable or chicken broth with a bay leaf, smashed garlic, thyme sprigs, and/or a cinnamon stick. After they're cooked, you can season them with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, curry powder, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, cinnamon, or fresh herbs.
Storage: Store cooked red lentils in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before using or add to hot recipes directly from frozen.
Uses: Add to soups, baked goods, sauces, and dips.
Timing notes: Cooking time varies depending on the stove. Red lentils may cook very quickly or need up to 15 to 20 minutes to reach your desired texture.