← All recipes

How to Cook Lentils (Basic Recipe)

🇩🇪 Germany

Servings: 1 person Cook: 25 minutes Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 70-120 g lentils per person (any variety)
  • Water or vegetable broth
  • 1 g baking soda per 100 g lentils (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1-2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp butter or olive oil (optional, to finish)

Steps

  1. If using dried, unhulled lentils, soak them in water before cooking (skip this step for hulled/split lentils).
  2. Drain soaked lentils if applicable, then place lentils in a pot with water or vegetable broth.
  3. Add baking soda if using, and the bay leaf.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste.
  6. Stir in butter or olive oil before serving, if desired.

Notes

Baking soda helps soften lentils faster but is optional. Hulled lentils cook faster and don't need soaking.

Source: emmikochteinfach.de