How to Make Lentils 3 Ways (Stove Top, Crockpot, Instant Pot)
Cook lentils to tender perfection on the stove top, in the slow cooker/crockpot and in the pressure cooker/Instant pot. Lentils are the perfect inexpensive and nutritious plant-protein addition to your meals.
Sift through the dried lentils and pick out any small stones or stray bits. Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh sieve under cold running water.
Stove Top
Add the lentils, water and bay leaf in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered for about 20 to 30 minutes or until tender.
Drain and remove the bay leaf.
Slow Cooker
Place 1 cup of lentils and 2 or 2.5 cups of water or broth into the slow cooker. Add 1 bay leaf (optional).
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or on high for 1.5 hours (one hour and one half) or until the lentils are tender.
Drain and discard the bay leaf (if using).
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
Place 1 cup of lentils and 2 1/4 (two and one quarter) cups of water in the Instant pot. Add a bay leaf.
Close the lid and seal the pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (11 minutes for a softer texture).
When the cooking cycle is complete, release the pressure by doing a quick release. Stir. Most likely draining won't be necessary.
Notes
This recipe yields about 2.5 cups of cooked lentils.
Avoid adding salt to the cooking liquid. Salting too early can prevent lentils from reaching their peak of tenderness.
Lentils do not require pre-soaking.
Use broth instead of water for additional flavor.
LENTILS COOKING TIME FOR STOVE TOP COOKING: French Lentils/French Green/De Puy: 25-30 minutes Red/Yellow/Orange Lentils: 15-20 minutes Black/Beluga Lentils: 25 minutes