Steaming Lentils: A Simple, Healthy Guide To Deliciousness

Cooking lentils is a straightforward process that can be done in a variety of ways, including steaming. Before cooking, it is important to rinse the lentils to remove any dust, debris, or small stones. While it is not necessary to soak lentils before cooking, doing so can reduce the cooking time. The general rule for cooking lentils is to use three cups of liquid (water, stock, etc.) for every one cup of dry lentils, bringing the mixture to a boil and then simmering until tender. The cooking time will depend on the type of lentil and the desired texture, with red lentils cooking the fastest and black lentils taking the longest. For steaming, a steamer basket or electric steamer can be used, with the lentils cooked until just tender. Overcooking should be avoided as it can result in mushy lentils. Lentils are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and curries.

Soak lentils for 8-24 hours

Soaking lentils for 8-24 hours is a great way to reduce their cooking time and improve their texture. While it is not necessary to soak lentils before cooking, doing so can cut down on the time it takes to cook them. For example, unsoaked lentils typically require a total cooking time of around 35 minutes, whereas soaked lentils can be cooked in as little as 20 minutes.

To soak lentils, start by adding the desired amount of lentils to a large bowl or saucepan and covering them with cold tap water. Make sure the lentils are fully submerged. Let the lentils soak for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours, depending on your preference and the specific type of lentil you are using. For example, split dals can be soaked for 30 minutes to an hour, while whole pulses should be soaked for around 8-12 hours.

During the soaking process, consider changing the water a few times to help reduce the presence of tannins or phytic acid, which can affect the taste and nutritional value of the lentils. Additionally, if you plan to soak the lentils for longer than 4 hours, it is recommended to do so in well-salted water.

Once the lentils have finished soaking, drain and rinse them with fresh, cold water before proceeding with your chosen recipe. Soaking lentils is a simple yet effective way to reduce cooking time and improve the overall quality of your final dish.

Rinse lentils to remove debris

Rinsing lentils before cooking is an important step to ensure you get the best results and don't end up with a pot of lentils that you're less than satisfied with. Rinsing the lentils will remove any dust, sediment, or debris, and it's also an opportunity to sift through them to check for small pebbles or rogue stones, which you don't want to bite down on!

To rinse your lentils, place them in a colander and give them a good rinse under fresh water. You might see some brown dirt when you rinse them, and that's normal, especially with brown lentils. Swirl them around with your hands and change the water a few times to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. You can also soak the lentils in water for 8-12 hours before cooking, which will help to rehydrate them and speed up the cooking process. After soaking, be sure to drain, rinse, and drain again before cooking.

If you're using canned lentils, it's still a good idea to give them a quick rinse under fresh water to reduce the sodium content. A one-minute rinse will reduce the sodium content by about 65%.

Use a vegetable steamer

Using a vegetable steamer is a great way to cook lentils quickly and healthily. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the lentils

Rinse the lentils in clean, cold water to wash away any dirt or bacteria. You can use a commercial produce wash, but studies have shown that this is no more effective than rinsing in clean water.

Step 2: Chop the lentils

Cut the lentils into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and at the same rate. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones.

Step 3: Prepare your steamer

Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of your steamer. The water level should be just below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Add lentils to the steamer

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the lentils into the steamer basket. Cover the steamer and reduce the heat to medium.

Step 5: Steam the lentils

Let the lentils steam for a few minutes. Set a timer and start checking for doneness after around 3 minutes. The lentils are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Remove the lentils from the steamer

Carefully remove the lentils from the steamer using tongs or a slotted spoon to protect your hands from the steam. Transfer the lentils to a bowl or serving dish.

Step 7: Season and serve

Drizzle the lentils with a little olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs, lemon juice, or spices for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the water level in your steamer and top up with more water if needed.
• If cooking multiple types of lentils, separate them by cooking time. Start with the lentils that take longer to cook and add the quicker-cooking lentils later.
• Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the color, flavor, texture, and nutrients of lentils.
• You can also steam lentils in the microwave or in a covered pan on the stove without a steamer, but using a steamer is the most effective method.

Season with salt after cooking

When cooking lentils, it is recommended to season with salt after cooking. This is because salt can prevent lentils from reaching their peak tenderness.

To season lentils with salt after cooking, first drain the lentils of any remaining water. Then, add salt to taste and stir the lentils until the salt is evenly distributed. You can also add pepper if desired.

If you are making a salad with your steamed lentils, you can dress the lentils with olive oil, salt, and vinegar. The hot lentils will absorb the oil and vinegar as they cool, creating a tasty addition to any salad.

Additionally, if you are cooking lentils in a slow cooker, it is especially important to avoid adding salt to the cooking liquid, as this can prevent the lentils from becoming tender. Instead, add salt to the lentils after they have finished cooking.

Store cooked lentils in an airtight container

Once you've cooked your lentils, it's important to store them correctly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to store cooked lentils in an airtight container:

Firstly, it's important to let the lentils cool completely. Lentils should never be stored or placed in an airtight container while they are still hot or warm. Place the cooked lentils in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate to allow them to cool faster. You can also return the lentils to the warm element after draining to steam off excess water. This is also a good time to add salt to the lentils.

Once the lentils have cooled completely, you can transfer them to an airtight container. Glass containers are recommended over plastic ones as they tend to keep the lentils fresh for longer. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the lentils.

Label the container with the date, and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you don't plan on eating the lentils within this time frame, it's best to freeze them in portions and defrost them as needed.

It's important to note that cooked lentils should not be stored in their cooking liquid. They should be drained and dried as much as possible before placing them in the airtight container. This will help prevent fermentation and keep them fresh for longer.

Frequently asked questions