How much water to cook lentils?

Everything you need to know about preparing red lentils for quick, wholesome dinners on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.

Red lentils are small, ruddy-orange legumes that cook quickly, making them an ideal component for fast, wholesome dinners. Compared to the stronger, more earthy flavor of brown and black lentils, the flavor is mild, earthy, and slightly sweet.

When cooked, red lentils disintegrate more quickly than other varieties of lentils. Red lentils are most frequently used in soups and curries because of their quickly becoming soft and creamy texture.

Due to the fact that most red lentils sold in stores are split red lentils, they cook quickly (and become mushy quickly). Split lentils are divided in half after the seed coat has been removed.

Lentils are a hearty plant-based protein that are frequently substituted for meat in dishes like sloppy joes, bolognese, chili, and veggie burgers. It is believed that red lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Types of lentils and lentil recipes

Brown and green lentils can be cooked using this ratio of lentils to water, but yellow and red lentils require a slightly longer cooking time. Here is an overview of the various varieties of lentils and some sample recipes you can use with each:

Here are all the benefits of lentils in case you need more encouragement to eat them.

But the math determines how much lentil to cook. Here are a few handy formulas to remember:

How much does 1 cup of dry lentils make? 1 cup dry lentils = about 2 ½ cups cooked lentils. Lentils increase in volume about 2 ½ times when cooked.

How much is 1 serving of lentils? Plan for about 1 to 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils per serving.

How much dry lentils do I need for about 4 cups cooked? Since lentils increase 2 ½ times when cooked, divide the cooked volume by 2 1/2. 1 ½ cups dry lentils = About 4 cups cooked lentils

Given their high fiber, carbohydrate, and protein content, lentils are frequently used in vegan and vegetarian cooking. Lentils are so high in protein (9g per 1/2 cup), in fact, that I frequently suggest them to readers looking for a meatless substitute for one of my recipes (hint: they go great in my recipe for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes). Lentils will keep you full, healthy and energized.

Add a Bay Leaf and Piece of Kombu: While lentils have a natural earthy flavor, a bay leaf and piece of kombu seaweed adds more flavor to the tiny legume. Additionally, the enzymes in kombu break down the phytic acid in lentils making them more easily digestible (and you’ll end up less gassy). Kombu adds vitamins, nutrients and trace minerals as well, including iodine.

Be Gentle and Keep an Eye on the Time: Once the lentils have boiled, reduce the heat as low as it will go. Sometimes this entails switching to a stove’s smaller burner so that the lentils aren’t oversimmered. Usually, what causes mushy lentils is simmering at a high heat (and having them bounce around in the pot). Keep an eye on the time because they can easily overcook.

Choose green, Lentils de Puy, brown, or black lentils when cooking lentils on the stove (to be used in other recipes). Red lentils should only be used in soups, dals, and curries because they are prone to becoming mushy. Watch the following video to learn the 4 simple steps for cooking lentils:

Lentil to water ratio (brown & green):  1 part lentils to 3 parts water

In other words, if you want to cook 1 cup of lentils, you’ll put it in a pot with 3 cups of water. Here are some additional considerations to bear in mind:

Do you have to boil the water first? No! Place the lentils and water in a pot together and bring to a high simmer, then simmer.

How long do you cook brown and green lentils? 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. You can drain any excess liquid.

Can I make lentils with broth instead of water? Yes! Cooking with broth brings in extra flavor.

Want a recipe? Scroll down to our full recipe below!

Lentils 101 – How to Prepare and Cook Lentils