Any self respecting vegetarian or vegan will have a full stock of varying lentils because of how amazingly flexible they are (and that they are packed with goodness!) but knowing how to get them just right can be a challenge for many of us – me included!
So to get you on track, I am going to be creating tutorial videos, recipe hints and tips and instructions to get you on track and perfecting your grains, veggies and other basics every time!
So here we are….How to cook brown or green lentils.
To serve 4 people as a side or as part of a salad
Ingredients:
1 cup of brown or green lentils (the larger ones)
2 cups of cold water
Instructions:
Rinse the lentils and pick out any stones or bits
Place in a medium saucepan and add the water
Bring to the boil,
Reduce to a simmer and cover,
Simmer for 20 minutes, but check regularly,
If the mix is getting too dry (there are no bubbles) add about 3 tbsp water until bubbles can be seen again,
When the time has gone, drain off any remaining water and leave to stand
See the bubbles? (above) These are what you are looking for when cooking and adding a little water during the cooking time.
When the lentils are cooked (for salads, sides and snacks) they should still have a small amount of bite to them and be holding together. If you are wanting to cook them for soups, stews or dhal you will want to cook them for longer, adding more water as you go along to make them a softer consistency and to help them to break down.
- 1 cup of brown or green lentils (the larger ones)
- 2 cups of cold water
- Rinse the lentils and pick out any stones or bits
- Place in a medium saucepan and add the water
- Bring to the boil,
- Reduce to a simmer and cover,
- Simmer for 20 minutes, but check regularly,
- If the mix is getting too dry (there are no bubbles) add about 3 tbsp water until bubbles can be seen again,
- When the time has gone, drain off any remaining water and leave to stand
