How to Cook Black Lentils

Lentils may be round, oval or heart-shaped.

Earthy, black lentils belong to the legume family and, like the green and brown variety, don't take long to prepare. Other types of legumes, like dried black-eyed pea can take hours to soak and cook. Besides their dark color, there isn't much different between black lentils and other lentils. The black variety is slightly smaller than other types and their flavor is captured in their tiny shells. All lentils contain vitamin B, folate and dietary fiber making them a nutritious choice.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup of black lentils
• Plate
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• Pot
• Sieve
• Salt

Instructions

1. Spread 1 cup of black lentils over a flat plate. Pick out debris and broken lentils. Toss them out. Place a medium-sized pot on the stove and add 1 1/2 cups of water to the pot. Put it on a high heat.

2. Place the lentils in a sieve and rinse with cold water. Shake the water from the lentils.

3. Pour the lentils into the pot. Add 1/2 tsp. of salt in the pot. Turn the pot down to simmer. Cook the lentils for 35 to 45 minutes, drain, rinse and cool.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a creamy finish, cook the beans until they fall apart. Add 1 tsp. of onion powder for added flavor. If using in a salad, cook the beans until tender; about 15 minutes.

References

• Recipe Tips: All About Lentils
• Cook In Israel: Black Lentil Salad
• World's Healthiest Foods: Lentils