Boiling lentils without a pressure cooker is a straightforward process. Here's a simple method to do it on the stovetop:
Ingredients:
- Lentils (red lentils, green lentils, brown lentils, or any variety of your choice)
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the lentils: Measure the desired amount of lentils and place them in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse the lentils under cold running water, stirring them gently with your fingers. This helps remove any impurities or excess starch.
Soak the lentils (optional): While not necessary for all types of lentils, soaking them for 1 to 2 hours before cooking can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you choose to soak, simply place the lentils in a bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak.
Drain and rinse (if soaked): After the soaking time, drain the lentils and rinse them once again.
Choose the pot: Select a medium-sized saucepan or pot that can accommodate the amount of lentils you are cooking.
Add water and lentils: Put the rinsed lentils into the pot and add water. The general ratio is 2 to 3 cups of water per 1 cup of lentils. However, you can adjust this ratio depending on your preferred level of tenderness. If you soaked the lentils, reduce the amount of water slightly.
Seasoning (optional): You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the lentils. Feel free to add other seasonings or aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, or onion for additional taste.
Boil the lentils: Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Skim off foam (optional): While boiling, some foam may form on the surface. If desired, skim off the foam with a spoon.
Stir occasionally: Stir the lentils occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Check for doneness: Cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentils, but it usually takes 15 to 25 minutes. To check if they are done, taste a lentil; they should be tender but not mushy.
Drain any excess water: Once the lentils are cooked to your desired level of tenderness, remove the pot from the heat. If there is excess water, drain it using a colander.
Now your boiled lentils are ready to be used in various recipes or enjoyed on their own as a nutritious dish. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.