Red lentils are a bright coral color, but turn to a soft yellowish-beige when cooked.
Wash lentils before using. Do this by putting lentils in a large bowl with plenty of water. The water will get foamy and cloudy and any debris in the lentils will float to the top. Red lentils tend to clump together when they get wet. To prevent this, use one of your hands and give them a brief swirl in the water. Dump out most of the water and continue adding fresh water until the water is no longer cloudy. When done, strain the lentils through a fine mesh sieve.
Red lentils cook quickly and can be eaten as cooked, added to spaghetti sauce, soups or chili’s and can also be frozen. They should be rinsed before cooking. Eventhough red lentils can be purchased whole or split, the cooking time is the same.
Water to Lentil Ratio
Yield: about 2 ½ cup (about 18 oz)
Instant Pot
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 ½ cups water
- Set on manual for 7 minutes. Let pressure naturally.
Stove Top
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 ¾ water
- Bring water and lentils to boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until lentils are soft and mushy.