Can You Cook Lentils In The Microwave?: Quick and Easy Guide

Can You Cook Lentils In The Microwave

Yes, you can cook lentils in the microwave Lentils are a healthy, delicious, and versatile legume that can be cooked quickly and easily in the microwave. Whether you want to prepare a healthy weeknight dinner or make a lentil dish to meal prep lunches for the week, cooking lentils in the microwave is a fast and simple option.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about microwaving lentils, including tips for best results.

How to Cook Lentils in the Microwave

Cooking lentils in the microwave is surprisingly easy. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to cooking lentils in the microwave:

Rinse and Pick Over the Lentils

Rinse dried lentils under running water and pick through them to remove any stones or debris. Soaking the lentils before cooking is optional but can help them cook more evenly.

Add Lentils and Water to a Microwave-Safe Dish

Place the lentils in a microwave-safe bowl or container. Add water, using a ratio of about 3 cups of water to 1 cup of dried lentils. The liquid will get absorbed as the lentils cook.

Cover and Cook on High

Cover the bowl loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a vent for steam to escape. Cook the lentils on high power for 7-10 minutes, until tender. Check often and stir during cooking.

Drain Any Excess Water and Season

Drain off any excess water using a colander. Season the cooked lentils with salt, pepper, olive oil, or spices as desired. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Tips for Cooking Lentils in the Microwave

Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, fluffy lentils every time:

• Soak lentils before cooking to reduce cooking time. Soak in water for a few hours or overnight.
• Use a microwave-safe container like a glass bowl or mug. Avoid metal.
• Add plenty of water. Lentils will absorb the liquid as they cook.
• Cover loosely to allow steam to vent. Lentils may sputter without a vented cover.
• Stir halfway through cooking for even cooking.
• Cook on high power for best results. Lower power may undercook lentils.
• Check often as cooking times can vary. Most lentils take 7-10 minutes.

Be careful when removing the container after cooking, as the accumulation of steam may cause the lid to dislodge.

Cooking Different Types of Lentils

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the type of lentil. Here are microwave cooking times for common varieties:

• Red lentils: Cook for 5-8 minutes. They soften quickly.
• Green/brown lentils: Cook for 7-10 minutes. Widely used in Indian dals.
• Black lentils: Take a bit longer at 10-12 minutes due to their firmer texture.
• French green lentils: Cook for 10-15 minutes. Hold their shape nicely.
• Red/yellow split peas: Cook for 7-10 minutes. These split lentils cook fast.

Tips for Using Leftover Lentils

Have leftover cooked lentils? Here are some delicious ways to use them:

• Toss with olive oil, veggies, and seasonings for lentil salad.
• Mash them with garlic for a spread to put on toast.
• Use in soups, stew, and chilis in place of ground meat.
• Mix with rice, quinoa, or pasta and top with cheese for an easy plant-based meal.
• Blend into hummus or lentil burgers.
• Make a warm lentil and veggie bowl topped with a fried egg.
• Throw into any sautéed veggie dish for extra protein.
• Add to the marinara sauce for a meaty Bolognese.

With a little trial and error, you’ll get the hang of microwaving lentils perfectly every time. The quick cooking time makes them an easy and healthy addition to your meal planning.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook lentils in the microwave?

Most types of lentils take 7-10 minutes to cook in the microwave, but the exact timing can vary. Start checking lentils at 5 minutes and then check frequently until they reach the desired tenderness.

Do you have to soak lentils before microwaving?

It’s optional to soak lentils before cooking in the microwave. Soaking for a few hours or overnight can help reduce the cooking time, but isn’t required.

Can you cook canned lentils in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat canned lentils in the microwave. Drain and place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Stir before serving.

Do lentils need extra water to cook in the microwave?

Yes, lentils absorb water as they cook so it’s important to add extra water when microwaving. Use a 3:1 ratio of water to lentils. The water will get absorbed during cooking.

Why do my microwaved lentils turn mushy?

Overcooking can cause lentils to become mushy in the microwave. Try reducing cook times by a minute or two and check often for doneness. Undercooking slightly and then letting lentils steam off heat can also prevent mushiness.

The Takeaway

Thanks to their quick cooking time, microwave lentils make a fast, healthy addition to any meal. With the right timing and a microwave-safe bowl, you can easily achieve tender lentils ready to be turned into soups, salads, sides, and more.

Soak them first for faster cooking or start with dried—either way, lentils cooked in the microwave can become a convenient staple in your kitchen.