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Home > Stock a Pantry > Legumes

Lentils

Legumes

Lentils

Quick Tips

How to cook lentils

Unlike most of the legume family, lentils do not need to be soaked and have a relatively quick cooking time: less than 30 minutes. The time will only vary depending on the variety of lentil you’re using, as I follow these cooking instructions for all, except red.

How to buy lentils

Buy beans out of bulk bins you know have quick turnover or from companies that go through inventory at a quick pace. Two of my favorites: Bob’s Red Mill and Rancho Gordo.

How to store lentils

Store dried beans in an airtight container, away from light. I prefer to keep my beans in glass jars, kept in my pantry cupboard. While beans can last for some time, I try to make sure I don’t have any beans older than a year in my pantry. Cooked lentils will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Varieties

Red
Green
Brown
Le Puy (French Green)
Black (beluga)

About

Red Lentils (may be called yellow/orange): When it comes to cooking, red lentils become softer and don’t hold up well in dishes where the lentil is suppose to be the main star. They are best for using in in curries, soups, and stews. They add protein without overpowering other ingredients. Interestingly, red lentils are a type of brown lentil that has been hulled and split, which is why they don’t hold their shape as well!

Buy Red Lentils >

Green/Brown Lentils: These lentils are a workhorse in my kitchen. They hold their shape better than their red counterpart so they have an al dente texture, which makes them perfect for my favorite lentil bites. Green lentils are not to be confused with the French lentils. While they can be used interchangeably, I prefer to use the regular green/brown lentils in every day dishes.

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Buy Green Lentils >

French Lentils: These lentils are smaller than the lentils mentioned above, which means they take a bit less time to cook, but still hold their shape. I use French lentils in salads, soups, and stews - all meals I want the lentil to really shine. I don’t always keep these lentils on hand, but can be nice for special occasion meals.

Buy French Lentils >

Black (Beluga) Lentils: These smaller lentils are one of my favorites, and have a slightly stronger, earthier flavor compared to other lentils. They hold their shape well, and result in a beautiful presentation.

Also, when the hull is removed from these lentils, the lentil is white. White lentils are milder than black, and cook more like red lentils. You might also find white lentils labeled as urad or urad dal.

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Lentil Pilaf

see full recipe >

 All Vegetarian Lentil Recipes

  • Arugula Lentil Salad
    Arugula Lentil Salad
  • BBQ Blue Cheese Lentil "Meat"balls
    BBQ Blue Cheese Lentil "Meat"balls
  • Berbere Black Lentil Stew
    Berbere Black Lentil Stew
  • Black Lentil Enchiladas with Zucchini
    Black Lentil Enchiladas with Zucchini
  • Buffalo Lentil "Meatball" Sandwich
    Buffalo Lentil "Meatball" Sandwich
  • Bulgur Lentil Ragu with Parsnip-Rutabaga Mash
    Bulgur Lentil Ragu with Parsnip-Rutabaga Mash
  • Butternut Squash and Lentil Pot Pie
    Butternut Squash and Lentil Pot Pie
  • Chili Lentils over Sweet Potatoes
    Chili Lentils over Sweet Potatoes
  • Chipotle Lentil Tacos with Avocado and Microgreens
    Chipotle Lentil Tacos with Avocado and Microgreens
  • Curried Carrot Soup
    Curried Carrot Soup
  • Curried Lentils and Rhubarb Chutney
    Curried Lentils and Rhubarb Chutney
  • Grilled Endives with Lentils
    Grilled Endives with Lentils
  • Harissa Lentils and Cauliflower
    Harissa Lentils and Cauliflower
  • Lentil and Swiss Chard Tacos (with Homemade Corn Tortillas)
    Lentil and Swiss Chard Tacos (with Homemade Corn Tortillas)
  • Lentil Bites with Broccoli Pesto and Rice
    Lentil Bites with Broccoli Pesto and Rice
  • Lentil Meatballs with Burst Tomato Pasta
    Lentil Meatballs with Burst Tomato Pasta
  • Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potatoes
    Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potatoes
  • Marinara-Smothered Lentil Bites with Mozzarella
    Marinara-Smothered Lentil Bites with Mozzarella
  • Nut Lentil Bites | Component Cooking
    Nut Lentil Bites | Component Cooking
  • Quick Red Lentil Curry with Spinach
    Quick Red Lentil Curry with Spinach
  • Radicchio Salad with Lentils and Roasted Acorn Squash
    Radicchio Salad with Lentils and Roasted Acorn Squash
  • Red Lentil Masala with Spinach
    Red Lentil Masala with Spinach
  • Red Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes
    Red Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes
  • Romanesco Black Lentil Pilaf
    Romanesco Black Lentil Pilaf
  • Sesame Delicata Squash Kale Salad
    Sesame Delicata Squash Kale Salad
  • Spiced Lentil Stew with Potatoes
    Spiced Lentil Stew with Potatoes
  • Spicy Lentil Tacos with Radish Salsa
    Spicy Lentil Tacos with Radish Salsa
  • Spicy Lentil Vegan Sloppy Joes
    Spicy Lentil Vegan Sloppy Joes
  • Spinach Enchiladas with Lentils
    Spinach Enchiladas with Lentils
  • Sumac Cauliflower Salad with Lentils
    Sumac Cauliflower Salad with Lentils
  • Sweet Potato Salad with Lentils and Fried Egg
    Sweet Potato Salad with Lentils and Fried Egg
  • Vegan Tacos with Chipotle Lentils
    Vegan Tacos with Chipotle Lentils
  • Za’atar Roasted Tomato Salad with Black Lentils
    Za’atar Roasted Tomato Salad with Black Lentils
  • Zucchini Lentil Fritters with Spread and Extra Veg
    Zucchini Lentil Fritters with Spread and Extra Veg
Lentils

Recent Recipes

  • Lentil Bites with Broccoli Pesto and Rice
    Lentil Bites with Broccoli Pesto and Rice
  • Zucchini Lentil Fritters with Spread and Extra Veg
    Zucchini Lentil Fritters with Spread and Extra Veg
  • Vegan Tacos with Chipotle Lentils
    Vegan Tacos with Chipotle Lentils

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Welcome!

I'm Erin and this is my space for all things vegetarian food inspired by California and my love of cooking.



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