Dried lentils are commonly used in cooking, primarily prepared by simmering them in liquid until tender. The most straightforward way to use them is to cook them on a stovetop using the following method.
Stovetop Cooking Method
Cooking dried lentils is a simple process that requires just lentils and liquid. The reference provides a clear guide for stovetop preparation:
You should cook dried lentils on a stovetop, using 3 cups of liquid (water, stock, etc) to 1 cup of dry lentils. It's important to use a large enough saucepan because the lentils will double or triple in size as they cook.
Cooking Steps:
- Combine the dry lentils and the chosen liquid (like water or stock) in a sufficiently large saucepan based on the recommended ratio.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the saucepan tightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the lentils.
- Continue simmering until the lentils are tender.
Ratio and Cook Time
Based on the reference, the standard ratio and approximate cooking time for whole lentils are:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dry Lentils | 1 cup |
| Liquid (Water, Stock, etc.) | 3 cups |
| Approximate Cook Time (Whole Lentils) | 15-20 minutes |
Note: Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the type of lentil and desired tenderness.
Once cooked, the tender lentils can be used in a variety of dishes, such as hearty soups, stews, salads, or as a base for vegetarian burgers.
