Go Back
+ servings
Spoon picking lentils from a pot
Print Pin
4.50 from 2 reviews

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.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword How To Cook Lentils
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 113kcal

Ingredients

Stove Top

  • 1 cup lentils (brown lentils)
  • 4 cups of water or broth
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Slow Cooker

  • 1 cup lentils (brown lentils)
  • 2-2.5 cups water or broth
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

  • 1 cup lentils (brown lentils)
  • 2.25 cups water or broth
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  • 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
 

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg