Cooking Lentils: Using Your Rice Steamer For A Quick Meal

Cooking lentils in a rice steamer is an easy, hands-off way to prepare this plant-based protein. With a simple ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part lentils, you can have a nutritious and tasty meal or side dish with minimal effort. The process is straightforward: rinse the lentils, add water, and cook for around 30-40 minutes. You can also add flavourings such as garlic, bay leaves, or thyme to enhance the taste. This method is suitable for all types of lentils, including brown, yellow, black, and red, and is a convenient way to incorporate plant-based protein into your diet.

Rinse lentils before cooking

Rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris. This is an important step to ensure the removal of any dirt or residue that may be present on the lentils. It is a simple step that can be done by placing the lentils in a strainer or colander and rinsing them under fresh running water for about a minute. This process ensures that your lentils are clean and safe to cook and consume.

When rinsing, you may also discover small stones or pebbles mixed in with the lentils, which you should discard. Rinsing also helps to reduce the sodium content in canned lentils. While it may not significantly alter the taste, rinsing lentils is a recommended practice for food safety and hygiene. It is a quick and easy step that ensures your lentils are ready for cooking.

Additionally, rinsing can also help to remove any bitter or earthy flavours that some people may find unpleasant. Although this is a matter of personal preference, rinsing can slightly alter the taste of the lentils, making them more palatable for those who are not accustomed to their natural flavour.

When cooking lentils in a rice steamer, it is important to note the different types of lentils and their varying cooking times. For example, whole lentils typically take 15-20 minutes to cook, while split red lentils only take about 5-7 minutes. The rice steamer is an easy and convenient way to prepare lentils, with a simple ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part lentils.

In summary, rinsing lentils before cooking is a recommended step to ensure their cleanliness and safety for consumption. It is a quick and easy process that can improve the overall taste and texture of the lentils, making them more enjoyable to eat.

Use a ratio of 2:1 water to lentils

Cooking lentils in a rice steamer is an easy process. To start, you'll want to use a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part lentils. So, for example, if you're preparing 1 cup of dried lentils, you'll need 2 cups of water. This will yield about 2 cups of cooked lentils.

Before adding the lentils to the rice cooker, be sure to rinse them thoroughly with clean, purified water. It's also important to note that lentils don't require overnight soaking like some other legumes. Once your lentils are rinsed, simply add them to the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water.

At this point, you can also add some seasonings to boost the flavor of your lentils. Lentils have a stellar ability to absorb flavors, so feel free to add things like bay leaves, olive oil, garlic, or dried herbs and spices. It's important to avoid adding salt or acidic ingredients like lemon juice or tomatoes during the cooking process, as these can make the lentils tough and increase the cooking time. You can add these ingredients after the lentils are soft.

Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the regular cycle for about 40 minutes. Midway through the cooking process, it's a good idea to open the rice cooker and give the ingredients a stir to ensure even cooking. Then, simply reseal the lid and allow the cooking cycle to finish.

Using this 2:1 water to lentils ratio, you'll end up with perfectly tender lentils that are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, or as a simple side dish.

Cook for 30-40 minutes

Cooking lentils in a rice steamer is an easy process. After rinsing your lentils, you can add flavourings such as olive oil, garlic, stock concentrate, and herbs and spices. Avoid adding salt or acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or tomatoes during the cooking process, as these can make the lentils tough and increase the cooking time.

The ratio of water to lentils is 2:1. For example, you can cook 1 cup of dried lentils in 2 cups of water. This will yield about 2 cups of cooked lentils.

Place the water, lentils, herbs, and spices into the base of the rice cooker and swirl to blend. Close the lid and set the cooker to the regular cycle for 30-40 minutes. Midway through the cooking time, carefully open the rice cooker and stir the ingredients with a long-handled spoon. Reseal the lid and allow the cooker to finish the cycle. When the cooker switches to Keep-Warm, open the lid, stir, and allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Add flavourings like garlic and thyme

To add flavourings like garlic and thyme to your lentils, you can follow a few simple steps. Firstly, rinse your lentils and pick out any small stones or sticks. Then, add your lentils, water or vegetable stock, garlic, and any other desired flavourings such as bay leaves or olive oil to the rice cooker. If you want to add thyme, you can use dried or fresh thyme—simply add a teaspoon of dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the cooker.

Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the “Grain” mode if your cooker has this option, or set it to “High” and close the lid. Let the lentils cook for 40 minutes and then check to see if they are done. If they need more time, put them on for another 10 minutes and check again. Repeat this process in 10-minute increments until the lentils are finished cooking.

Once the lentils are soft, you can add salt or acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or tomatoes to boost the flavour. Finally, drizzle the cooked lentils with olive oil before serving.

Don't add salt or acidic ingredients during cooking

When cooking lentils in a rice steamer, it is best to avoid adding salt or acidic ingredients during the cooking process. This is because salt and acidic ingredients can make the lentils take longer to cook and can also make the skin of the lentils tough.

Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein and are easy to prepare in a rice cooker. They have a mild flavour and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and tacos. However, because they have a bland taste on their own, lentils benefit from added flavourings.

While it is tempting to add salt or acidic ingredients to boost the flavour of lentils, it is best to wait until the end of the cooking process. Salt and acidic ingredients can have a negative impact on the texture of the lentils, making them tough and chewy. Instead, add salt and acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice or tomatoes, after the lentils are already soft. This way, you can still enjoy the flavour-boosting benefits without compromising the texture of the lentils.

Additionally, when preparing lentils in a rice cooker, it is important to use the correct ratio of water to lentils. The recommended ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part lentils. This will ensure that the lentils cook evenly and become tender without becoming mushy.

Frequently asked questions