Learn how to cook lentils on the stove with this easy step-by-step guide.

Lentils are high in protein, nutritious, and work well in a wide variety of dishes. This recipe makes it easy to have a batch on hand for adding to soups, salads, and other meals.
Ingredients
- Water (3 cups)
- Dried lentils (1 cup): I used green lentils.
Instructions

Step 1
Spread out the lentils, checking for and removing any small stones. Using a colander, rinse and drain the lentils.

Step 2
Add the lentils and water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender.

Step 3
Remove the lid. Using a colander, drain the lentils to remove any excess liquid.
Equipment
- Medium pot with lid
- Colander
- Measuring cups
Storage
Store any leftover lentils in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Cooked lentils may also be frozen for up to 6 months in a sealed container (allow them to cool completely before freezing).
Related
Looking for other how-to guides? Try these:

How to Cook Lentils on the Stove
Equipment
- medium pot with lid
- colander
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup dried lentils
Instructions
- Spread out the lentils (I like to do this in a colander over the sink), checking for and removing any small stones.
- Using a colander, rinse and drain the lentils.
- Add the lentils and water to a medium pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove the lid. Using a colander, drain the lentils to remove any excess liquid.
Notes
- Store any leftover lentils in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Lentils may also be frozen for up to 6 months in a sealed container (allow them to cool completely before freezing).
- Recipe yields approximately 2½ cups of cooked lentils.