How to Cook Red Lentils

Jar of Red Lentils with spoon and scattered lentils in the foreground.

5 from 1 vote

Red lentils are delicious, healthy, and super easy to prepare. Read on to find out everything you need to know in order to get cooking with red lentils!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 190kcal

Author: Alissa Saenz

Ingredients

1 cup dried red lentils (split or whole)
2 ½ cups water, plus more as needed (use only 2 cups for Instant Pot method)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place the lentils into a fine mesh strainer and rinse them well with water. Remove any foreign objects such as small stones.

Stove Method

Transfer the lentils to a small saucepan and stir in 2 ½ cups of water.
Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
Lower the heat and allow the lentils to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep a container of hot water near the stove as they cook, adding water to the pot if it dries up.
By the time the lentils have finished cooking they should have totally broken down and absorbed most of the water in the pot.
Season as desired and serve.

Instant Pot Method

Stir the lentils and 2 cups of water together in the Instant Pot.
Close the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the "sealing" position.
Press the "pressure cook" or "manual" button and set the pressure to medium. Set the cook timer for 10 minutes.
When the lentils have finished cooking, carefully move the valve to the "venting" position and allow the pressure to fully release.
Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and give the lentils a stir.
Season and serve as desired.

Nutrition