The Recipe · No.841 · How to Cook Lentils

How to Cook Lentils, and Where to Source It

Salt them late, not early. Lentils don't need soaking, but if you salt the water at the start the skins toughen and they never soften; season once they're already tender and they cook up creamy inside with a little bite.

Ad-free · ingredients first · no 2,000-word story.

Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep2 min
Cook25 min
Makes3 cups
CuisineBasics
Greedometer ●●●●● Angel food Level Easy
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
Suits
VeganGluten-free
Straight Answers
Can you make How to Cook Lentils in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze How to Cook Lentils? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make How to Cook Lentils ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is How to Cook Lentils gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is How to Cook Lentils vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 3 cups
Lentils
Green or brown hold their shape; red ones melt into soup. Fresh-crop dried lentils cook most evenly.
1 cup
Source it →
Water or broth
About three times the lentils; broth and a bay leaf add flavor. A good bone broth is best.
3 cups
Source it →
Salt
Added only at the end, once the lentils are soft. A fine sea salt works.
to taste
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. RinseRinse the lentils and pick out any stray stones.
  2. SimmerCover with unsalted water or broth, bring to a boil, then simmer gently 20–25 minutes.
  3. CheckStart tasting at 20 minutes — you want tender with a little bite, not mush.
  4. SeasonDrain any extra liquid, then salt and dress with a little oil or vinegar.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Saucepan · Strainer · Wooden spoon

No ads. No life story. Just dinner.
This is recipe No.841 — the real method, ingredients first, and exactly where to buy the best version of every one. See all the recipes →

Some ingredient and tool links are affiliate links — if you buy through one, 5best2buy may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never costs the maker anything, and it never decides who we recommend. The list is the list.
© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.841