How Long Does It Take To Cook Lentils
Lentils vary significantly in cooking time depending on the type, with red lentils softening much faster than green or brown varieties. So how long does it take to cook lentils? The short answer is anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the lentil and how soft you want them.
This guide breaks down the timing for each common type. You will also get simple steps, a few practical tips, and answers to the questions people ask most.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Lentils
Here is the quick breakdown for the most common lentils you will find in a grocery store.
- Red lentils: 5 to 10 minutes
- Yellow lentils: 15 to 20 minutes
- Green lentils: 20 to 30 minutes
- Brown lentils: 20 to 30 minutes
- Black beluga lentils: 25 to 30 minutes
- Puy lentils: 30 to 40 minutes
These times assume you are simmmering them in water on a stovetop. Soaking, altitude, and the age of the lentils can shift the numbers a bit.
Why Cooking Times Vary So Much
Lentils are not all the same. Red and yellow lentils are split and hulled, so water reaches the center fast. That is why they cook in minutes.
Green, brown, and black lentils keep their seed coat. The skin slows down the softening process, so they need more time. Older lentils also take longer because they dry out more during storage.
Stovetop Cooking Times By Lentil Type
Red And Yellow Lentils
Use 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Red lentils are done in 5 to 10 minutes and turn soft and mushy. Yellow lentils need about 15 to 20 minutes.
Green And Brown Lentils
Use 2.5 to 3 cups of water per cup of lentils. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. They hold their shape well, which makes them great for salads and side dishes.
Black Beluga And Puy Lentils
These hold up best of all. Simmer black beluga for 25 to 30 minutes. Puy lentils need 30 to 40 minutes. Both stay firm and nutty, so they work well in warm salads.
How To Cook Lentils On The Stove
- Rinse the lentils under cold water. Pick out any small stones or shriveled pieces.
- Add 1 cup of lentils to a pot with 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat and simmer uncovered. Stir once or twice.
- Start checking at the earliest time for your lentil type.
- Drain any extra liquid when the lentils are tender.
- Season with salt after cooking, not during. Salt added early can keep the skins tough.
Other Ways To Cook Lentils
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker cuts the time a lot. Red lentils take 3 to 5 minutes under pressure. Green and brown lentils need 6 to 8 minutes. Black and puy lentils take 8 to 10 minutes. Let the pressure release on its own for best results.
Slow Cooker
Use 3 cups of liquid per cup of lentils. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Red lentils will break down into a thick soup, while brown and green lentils keep more texture.
Instant Pot
Set the pot to high pressure. Red lentils need 3 minutes. Brown and green lentils need 6 to 8 minutes. Add a natural release of 10 minutes before you open the valve.
Do You Need To Soak Lentils
No, you do not. Lentils are small and cook fast without soaking. Soaking can shorten the cooking time by a few minutes and may make them easier to digest, but it is not required.
If you do soak them, use cool water for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Tips For Perfect Lentils Every Time
- Taste as you go. Texture matters more than the clock.
- Keep the water level about 1 inch above the lentils while they simmer.
- Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice near the end. Acid slows softening.
- Cook extra and store it. Cooked lentils keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
- Freeze cooked lentils in small bags for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One big mistake is walking away and letting the pot boil dry. Set a timer for the shortest cook time and check often.
Another mistake is adding salt at the start. Wait until the lentils are tender, then season. Also, do not stir too much with red lentils, or they turn into paste.
Finally, remeber that older pantry lentils cook slower. If your bag has been open for a year, add 5 to 10 minutes and test as you go.
How To Tell When Lentils Are Done
Bite one. A fully cooked lentil is tender with no chalky center. Red lentils should be soft enough to mash with a spoon. Green and brown lentils should be tender but still hold a slight bite.
If you want them softer, keep simmering and check every 2 minutes. If they are already soft, drain them right away so they do not get mushy.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to cook lentils? Red lentils take 5 to 10 minutes, yellow take 15 to 20, and green, brown, black, and puy lentils take 20 to 40 minutes. Use the times above as your starting point, then taste and adjust.
With a pot, some water, and a timer, you can have tender lentils ready for soups, salads, and stews in under an hour. Pick your lentil, follow the steps, and check for doneness as you go.