Learn how to cook lentils and how to flavor them. Lentils are healthy, delicious, versatile, and easy! Make cooked lentils with flavorful spices in under 25 minutes!
Lentils are one of those plant-based basics that you need to know. They are easy to cook, very healthy, and super cheap.
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Health Benefits of Lentils
Lentils are one of the healthiest foods! They've got protein and fiber, as well as iron and potassium.
Because of the fiber and protein combo, lentils are very satiating. Just ¼ cup of dry lentils will leave you feeling full and satisfied, with 4g of fiber and 9g of protein!
Lentils are classified as a legume. And it's recommended that we all eat at least ½ cup of legumes per day. Some even recommend that we eat them at every meal.
These legumes are so vital to health and longevity that we shouldn't go one meal without eating them.
Regular bean consumption reduces your risk of cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and obesity. Legumes can also increase your life expectancy and are a fantastic source of both plant-protein and fiber.
If that doesn't inspire you to eat beans on a regular (hopefully daily) basis, I don't know what will. But I'll keep trying.
Other Benefits of Lentils
Lentils are also cheap!
I buy lentils dry in a bag from the grocery store. They come in a 1lb. bag and they are so inexpensive: $1-$2 per bag for 13 servings. That's 15 cents a serving.
Lentils are so versatile.
You use whatever spice combinations you can find in your pantry, you can make a sauce or dressing, or you can season with herbs.
Personally, I love to eat lentils with turmeric as a way to get in my daily serving of the anti-cancer spice. I can't get enough of these beans!
Types of Lentils
Lentils are identified by their color.
There are brown lentils, black lentils, green lentils, yellow lentils, and red lentils.
Brown, black, and green lentils are sturdier. They take longer to cook and are firmer.
Red and yellow lentils are softer. They cook quickly and can end up very soft, almost mushy.
Ingredients
All you need to make lentils is lentils!
Today, I'm cooking brown lentils, but you can choose any type of lentil.
After that, you can season them however you'd like.
How to Cook Lentils
Step 1. Bring a large pot (8 cups) of water to a boil
Step 2. Add the lentils to the boiling water. Let cook with the lid tilted for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3. When the lentils are soft but still intact, drain.
Step 4. Add the spices and mix to combine. Enjoy!
Lentil Seasonings and Spice Combinations
And now it's time for the fun part. Spices. Use whatever you have in your kitchen and experiment with flavor combinations. Here are some of my favorites:
- Everything But the Bagel Spice: My favorite find from Trader Joe's. Literally what it sounds like - the spices normally found on an everything bagel.
- Taco Seasoning: I have several lentil taco recipes that use my homemade taco seasoning. Any store bought seasoning will also work.
- Cajun Seasoning: a spicy mix of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne, among other spices. Cajun seasoning will bring a kick to your lentils.
- Jerk Seasoning: a Jamaican seasoning blend made from spices like onion, garlic, and cayenne, with warming spices like allspice and cinnamon. Jerk seasoning is a savory, sweet, and spicy seasoning blend that will bring your lentils to the next level.
- Poultry seasoning: one of my favorites for a more meat-like vibe. Poultry seasoning features spices like oregano, parsley, and thyme.
- Turmeric + Pepper: A simple combination that tastes earthy and pungent.
- Smoked Paprika + Garlic Powder + Onion Powder + Cumin + Turmeric: A robust flavor palate tasting spicy, earthy, and sharp.
A trick to make seasoned lentils taste better
Add water. After you cook the lentils and drain them, add a tablespoon or two of water, to help the spices coat the beans.
FAQ & Expert Tips
You cook lentils by boiling them! Like all dry beans, they need to be boiled to soften.
Bring a large pot (about 8 cups) of water to a boil. Add the lentils to the boiling water. Let cook with the lid tilted for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then drain.
If you are cooking plain lentils, the best way to make them taste good is with seasonings! I've listed my favorite seasoning combinations above.
Another great way to make lentils taste good is by incorporating them into a dish, like a soup or chili. I have many recipes that use lentils listed below.
Often lentils come in 1lb bags. There are about 3.25 cups in a 1 pound bag.
Recipe Prayer
Lord, thank you for the food you give us. Thank you for providing nutrient-filled, life-saving legumes that are easy to prepare. Use these lentils as a way to keep our bodies healthy and alive so we may focus on fulfilling your will. Amen.
Recipes that use lentils
- Lentils and Greens Toast (High Protein)
- Vegan Coq au Vin
- Vegan Black Beluga Lentil Bolognese
- Carrot and Lentil Soup
- Lentil Taco Meat (For Vegan Lentil Tacos)
- Black Lentil Salad (Vegan)
- Vegan Cincinnati Chili
- Vegan Gluten Free Lasagna (with Tofu Ricotta)
- Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie (Gluten-Free)
- Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup
- Vegan Red Lentil Curry
- Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew
Tried this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
How to Cook Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 16 Ounce Bag Brown Lentils
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- ½ Teaspoon Turmeric
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot (8 cups) of water to a boil.
- Add the lentils to the boiling water. Let cook with the lid tilted for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the lentils are soft but still intact, drain.
- Add the spices and mix to combine. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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