How To Cook Red Lentils

5 from 1 vote

Learn how to cook red lentils with two simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.

Prep Time2

Cook Time8

Total Time10

Course: Kitchen Tips

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1/2 Cups

Calories: 318kcal

Rinse lentils thoroughly.
Add red lentils and water to a small to medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Turn down to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid.
Cook until desired texture is reached.
- For firmer red lentils, cook for 6-7 minutes.
- For soft, tender red lentils, cook for a total of 8 minutes.
- For very soft, cook red lentils for 9-10 minutes.
- For mushy lentils, cook for 11-15 minutes total.

Rinse your lentils thoroughly.
Add 1 cup of split red lentils and 2 cups of water to your Instant Pot.
Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 3-5 minutes. (Again, depending on soft or mushy preference.
Naturally, let the pressure release for 5 minutes.
Finally, immediately release the remaining steam by setting the steam release valve to “venting.”

Storage Tips

Batch cooking red lentils at the beginning of the week is perfect for meal prep.

Fridge: Cooked red lentils can keep in the fridge for 6-7 days. I always recommend storing food in an air-tight glass container such as a mason jar or glass Tupperware. Food stored in glass has been shown to stay fresh longer.

Pro Tip: Divide the cooked lentils into smaller chunks so you can thaw a portion of them at a time.

Please read the blog post above for more helpful tips, tricks, and topping suggestions!