Steam Cooking Lentils: A Simple, Healthy Guide

Lentils are a nutritious and versatile food loaded with protein, fibre, and vitamins. They are a great meat substitute and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. While they are easy to cook, different types of lentils have varying cooking requirements. This guide will teach you how to steam cook lentils, ensuring they are tender and not mushy.

How to prepare lentils for steaming

Preparing lentils for steaming is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare lentils for steaming:

Sorting and Cleaning:

Start by sorting through the dry lentils to look for any stones or other debris. Place the lentils in a large bowl and cover them with water. Use your hands to gently agitate the lentils, allowing any debris to float to the surface. Remove and discard any foreign objects.

Soaking:

Although not mandatory, soaking lentils before cooking can reduce the cooking time and improve digestibility. If you choose to soak your lentils, cover them with water by about 1 inch (or 8 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils) and let them soak for 2 to 4 hours or longer. After soaking, be sure to drain, rinse, and drain the lentils again before proceeding to the next step.

Steamer Preparation:

If you are using an electric steamer with a rice bowl, fill the water reservoir to the "max" or "full" line. Add the soaked and rinsed lentils to the rice bowl, along with 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils. Assemble your steamer according to the manufacturer's instructions for cooking rice.

Cooking:

Once your steamer is assembled and filled, it's time to begin the cooking process. Set the steamer to the appropriate settings and steam the lentils for approximately 60 minutes. After steaming, turn off the steamer and allow the lentils to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Seasoning:

Lentils have a mild flavour, so seasoning is essential to enhance their taste. You can add salt, pepper, herbs, or spices of your choice. Experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavour combinations.

By following these steps, you will be able to prepare lentils that are ready for steaming and will result in a delicious and nutritious meal. Remember to refer to the specific instructions provided by your steamer for the best results. Enjoy your freshly prepared steamed lentils!

How to steam lentils

How to Steam Cook Lentils

Lentils are a great, inexpensive and nutritious food to add to your diet. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are easy to cook. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam cook lentils:

Preparation:

First, you will need to sort through the dry lentils to remove any stones or debris. Then, place the lentils in a large bowl and cover them with water. You can choose to soak the lentils for 8-24 hours, which can help with digestion and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain, rinse, and drain the lentils again.

Cooking:

For steaming lentils, you will need an electric steamer with a rice bowl. Fill the water reservoir to the maximum line and add the lentils and 2 cups of water to the rice bowl. Assemble the steamer according to the directions and set it up for cooking rice. Steam the lentils for about 60 minutes. Once they are done, turn off the steamer and let the lentils rest for about 10 minutes.

Serving:

After steaming, season the lentils as desired and serve. You can serve them as a side dish, add them to salads, or include them in recipes such as soups, veggie burgers, or vegan meatloaf.

Tips:

• It is important to use fresh lentils as older lentils can take longer to cook.
• Different types of lentils have varying cooking times and requirements, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
• You can add flavour to your lentils by cooking them in broth instead of water or adding herbs and spices.

How to season steamed lentils

Steamed lentils are a nutritious and tasty dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season steamed lentils:

Preparing the Lentils for Steaming:

First, you'll want to prepare the lentils for steaming. Start by sorting through dry lentils to remove any stones or debris. Then, place the sorted lentils in a large bowl and cover them with water, soaking them for 8-12 hours. After soaking, drain the water, rinse the lentils, and drain them again. This process ensures that your lentils are clean and ready for cooking.

Steaming the Lentils:

For steaming the lentils, you can use an electric steamer with a rice bowl. Fill the water reservoir to the "max" or "full" line, and add the lentils along with 2 cups of water to the rice bowl. Assemble the steamer according to the directions provided by the manufacturer. Set the steamer to cook the lentils for about 60 minutes. Once the lentils are steamed, turn off the steamer and let them rest for around 10 minutes before seasoning and serving.

Seasoning the Steamed Lentils:

Now comes the fun part—seasoning your steamed lentils! Here are some ideas to elevate the flavor of your dish:

• Herbs and Spices: Add some freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil. You can also incorporate spices like cumin, coriander, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to give your lentils a kick.
• Acid and Oil: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten up the flavor of your lentils. Combine it with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a well-rounded taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Season your lentils with salt and pepper to taste. Just be mindful that adding salt before cooking can slow down the cooking time and affect the texture of the lentils.
• Garlic: Smashed or minced garlic added during the cooking process can enhance the flavor of your lentils.
• Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard can add a tangy twist to your dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Your seasoned steamed lentils can be served as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes. Try adding them to salads, soups, veggie wraps, or grain bowls. You can also get creative and use them as a filling for vegetarian tacos or stuffed vegetables.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favorite way to enjoy steamed lentils!

Different types of lentils and their cooking times

There are several different types of lentils, each with its own unique characteristics and cooking times. Here is a guide to help you navigate the different types of lentils and their cooking times:

French Green (Puy) Lentils

French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, are small and have a blue-green speckled appearance. They hold their shape and texture well during cooking, making them ideal for salads, sides, and soups where you want the lentils to retain their shape. French green lentils have a longer cooking time compared to some other varieties, ranging from 25 to 30 minutes or even up to 50 minutes.

Brown Lentils

Brown lentils are larger and have a flattened lens-like shape. They tend to split and fall apart when cooked, making them perfect for purees, soups, and casseroles. While they hold their shape better than red lentils, they can still break down if overcooked. Brown lentils usually cook within 20 to 30 minutes but check them at the 20-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.

Red, Pink, and Yellow Lentils

Red, pink, and yellow lentils are smaller and have had their hulls removed, which means they cook faster and tend to break down completely. They are excellent for pureed soups, adding thickness to sauces, and creating a creamy texture. These lentils typically cook within 15 to 20 minutes, but can be cooked for longer if you prefer a mushier texture.

Black Beluga Lentils

Black beluga lentils are small, shiny, and black, resembling caviar. They have a thicker skin, which helps them maintain their shape and firm texture even after cooking. Black beluga lentils are perfect for salads, appetizers, and soups, offering a unique flavour and texture. Their cooking time is generally around 20 to 25 minutes.

Steaming Lentils

When steaming lentils, it is important to first sort through them and remove any stones or debris. Then, soak the lentils for 8 to 12 hours to reduce the cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the lentils before adding them to your steamer with the recommended amount of water. Steam the lentils for about 60 minutes and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

The benefits of steaming lentils

Steaming is one of the best and easiest ways to cook lentils. It is a healthy cooking method that offers several benefits over other cooking techniques.

Steaming lentils helps preserve their shape and texture while retaining essential vitamins and minerals. Compared to boiling or stovetop cooking, steaming uses less liquid, which helps retain flavour and nutritional content.

Steaming is also a low-fat, cholesterol-free cooking method that is high in fibre and protein, making it a great choice for those looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet. It is also a versatile cooking method, allowing you to use steamed lentils in various dishes, such as salads, soups, sauces, and dips.

Additionally, steaming is a quick and convenient way to cook lentils, especially with an electric steamer or rice cooker, which automatically stops when the food is cooked. This reduces the risk of overcooking, ensuring that your lentils are cooked perfectly every time.

Before steaming, it is important to clean and sort the lentils to remove any dirt, dust, or debris, and check for small stones or foreign matter. Soaking lentils for a few hours before steaming can also help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Frequently asked questions