Find out how to cook dried Red Lentils, plus lots of recipes using this incredibly versatile, nutritious, and delicious ingredient, from soups to salads and dhal to dips.
Red lentils, those unassuming little legumes, have become a staple in my kitchen for a plethora of good reasons. They are not just affordable and versatile; they are also incredibly nutritious.
If you're looking for an ingredient that's quick to cook, packed with protein, and can be transformed into a variety of tasty dishes, you're in the right place.
In this blog post, I'll tell you all about red lentils, their nutritional benefits, and provide you with some delectable recipe ideas to make them a regular part of your meal rotation.
What are Red Lentils?
Red lentils are a type of legume that are widely used in various cuisines around the world.
These lentils are small and typically have a pinkish-orange or red color, which is how they got their name.
They are a popular choice for cooking due to their mild, slightly sweet flavor and quick cooking time.
Find out more about Legumes and check out these 15 Best Lentil Recipes.
Characteristics
- Color: Red lentils can range from pale orange to deep red in color, and their color often lightens as they cook.
- Texture: When they are cooked, they tend to break down and become soft, creating a creamy and thick consistency. This makes them ideal for soups, stews, curries, and other dishes where a smooth texture is desired.
- Nutrition: They are highly nutritious. They are a rich source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
- Quick Cooking: One of the significant advantages of red lentils is their quick cooking time. They usually cook in about 15-20 minutes, requiring no pre-soaking, which sets them apart from some other lentil varieties.
- Versatility: These legumes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. They pair well with various spices and flavors, making them a popular choice in many international cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean.
- Culinary Uses: They are commonly used in dishes like soups, stews, curries, and dals. They can also be made into dips, spreads, and salads. In some cuisines, they are used in meatless dishes to boost protein content.
- Availability: They are widely available in most grocery stores and markets, making them easily accessible for cooking at home.
Global Cuisines
Red lentils are commonly used in various cuisines around the world, and they don't belong exclusively to one specific culinary tradition. They are a versatile ingredient and can be found in dishes from several different cuisines. Some of the cuisines where they are frequently featured include:
- Indian Cuisine: They are widely used in Indian cuisine to make dishes like red lentil dhal (lentil curry), which can vary in flavor and spice levels from region to region.
- Middle Eastern Cuisine: In Middle Eastern cuisine, they are used in dishes like lentil pilaf, often flavored with a variety of spices.
- Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean countries use red lentils in dishes such as salads and stews with Mediterranean herbs and flavors.
- North African Cuisine: They are also used in North African cuisine for dishes like Harira, a popular Moroccan soup.
- Southeast Asian Cuisine: They can be found in some Southeast Asian recipes, often prepared as a curry or used in soups.
- Global Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine: In the context of global vegan and vegetarian cuisine, red lentils are used to make plant-based versions of classic dishes, like vegan meatballs or meat free bolognese. Looking for more meat free recipes? Find Vegetarian Recipes.
Are Red Lentils a Pulse or Legume?
Red lentils are both a type of pulse and a legume. The term "pulse" and "legume" can often be used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the plant.
- Pulse: A pulse is the edible seed of a legume plant. This category includes a variety of dried seeds, such as lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and dry beans. Pulses are known for their high protein and fiber content, making them a valuable source of plant-based nutrition.
- Legume: Legumes are a larger plant family that includes a wide range of plants, many of which produce pulses. Legume plants are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them beneficial for crop rotation and soil fertility. Examples of legumes include not only lentils but also beans, peas, peanuts, and soybeans.
The plant belongs to the legume family, and the edible part of the plant, which is the dried seed, is considered a pulse. This distinction helps clarify that the term "legume" encompasses a broader group of plants, while "pulse" refers specifically to the edible seeds derived from these legume plants.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your red lentil cooking experience even better:
- Rinse: Always rinse your red lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris. Unlike other lentils, you don't need to soak them.
- Add spices and herbs: They have a mild flavor, so don't be afraid to get creative with spices and herbs. You can start with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger as all work beautifully. Or try a spice blend such as Baharat, Shawarma Seasoning or Vegan Chicken Seasoning.
- Don't overcook: They cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on them to ensure the desired texture.
- Make extra: Many soups and curries taste even better the next day. I like to make extra and enjoy leftovers.
- Experiment: Red lentils are incredibly versatile, so don't hesitate to experiment. You can use them in a variety of dishes, from burgers and meatless meatballs to red lentil-based pasta sauce.
Red Lentil Recipes
Red Lentil Recipes
From hearty soups to zesty salads and creamy dips, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the benefits of dried red lentils!
Try this quick Carrot Curry recipe that blends carrots, red lentils, coconut milk, and aromatic curry spices into a delectable Indian dish. It's vegan and gluten-free, perfect on its own or served with rice or naan.
This Lentil Soup is creamy, nourishing, and incredibly simple with just seven ingredients. In under 25 minutes, you'll have a one-pot wonder, brimming with plant-based protein and delightful flavors.
Look no further for the ultimate Red Lentil Dahl recipe! This mouthwatering, one-pot Indian curry is restaurant-quality and a breeze to make in just 25 minutes. Featuring red lentils, coconut milk, and basic spices, it's a creamy, protein-rich, and utterly delicious daal.
Embrace the winter chill with a steaming bowl of Moroccan Red Lentil Soup. Brimming with vegetables, lentils, and fragrant spices such as cumin and ginger, this soup is a perfect fit for both vegans and vegetarians.
Make this rich, creamy, Lentil Curry in no time with the help of your Instant Pot pressure cooker.
Red Lentils and carrots are pureed to form the base for these delicious vegan hot dogs!
Turn red lentils into light and fluffy protein-packed pancakes - with no eggs or dairy.
Misir Wot is an Ethiopian split lentil stew made with warm spices. Perfect served with injera, flatbreads or rice.
You only need 20 minutes for these tasty, vegan, red lentil sloppy joes!
Bengali masoor dal is a simple yet flavorful curry recipe that can be made in under an hour, and is full of red lentils, panch pooran spice mix, ginger and garlic.
These crispy Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters are spiced with turmeric, cumin and a touch of cinnamon. Plus, they are oil free and baked, not fried.
This Thai-inspired Instant Pot red lentil soup is warm, spicy, vegan and easy! It's packed with spices, coconut milk and veggies.
This creative take on hummus, is full of sweet potatoes, red lentils, and garlic for a sweet and mellow taste.
Turn red lentils into a vegan, gluten free pizza crust - then add your favorite toppings!
Lentils and mushrooms add a savory 'meaty' quality to this vegan bolognese sauce. Perfect with your favorite pasta.
Red lentils, creamy kidney beans, and rich aromatic spices come together in this easy, hearty Vegan Chili made in the Instant Pot.
In this Masoor Dal Pulao, red lentils have been cooked with basmati rice and veggies to give you a wholesome meatless rice meal.
This red lentil pie has a cheesy lentil filling, and a tender cornmeal pastry crust.
These Berbere Lentils are a staple of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. The spiced red lentils are warming and comforting.
Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Lentil Meatballs) are made with a tasty combination of bulgur and red lentils.
This tasty Spicy Turkish Red Lentil soup is full of nourishing flavor, plus, it's topped with a delcious aleppo pepper oil!
Turn red lentils into these delicious tortilla wraps! You only need 4 ingredients, and they're freezer friendly.
Make your own homemade soy free tofu - with red lentils!
These quick and easy bite-sized lentil patties are so tasty! Perfect with a creamy garlic dip.
These healthy lentil muffins are naturally sweetened with mashed banana and applesauce instead of refined sugar. Red lentil puree adds a boost of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious snack or breakfast.
This vegetarian lasagne uses red lentils instead of beef, for a rich, protein-packed and flavorful dish.
Make these easy, tender red lentil meatballs, plus fresh tomato sauce, in under 30 minutes.
Hearty lentil bolognese makes an easy pasta sauce that's full of good-for-you ingredients like red lentils, veggies and herbs and spices.
Armenian Lentil Stew is full of eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, onions, golden raisins, and lentils, all flavored with a savory-sweet blend of traditional herbs and spices.
These easy 20-minute spicy Vegan Lentil Burgers are made with red split lentils. They're then topped with a delicious creamy vegan avocado sauce.
How to Cook Red Lentils
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried red lentils
- 3 cups Water
- ¼ teaspoon Salt optional
Instructions
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the dried red lentils under cold water, getting rid of any dust or debris.
- Decide how many dried red lentils you want to cook. The typical ratio is 1 cup of lentils to 3 cups of water. Adjust according to your recipe.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the specified amount of water to a boil. You can add a pinch of salt if you like.
- Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed red lentils to the saucepan, giving them a quick stir.
- Lower the heat and cover the saucepan with a lid to let it gently simmer.
- Let the red lentils simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they absorb the water and become tender. Taste one to check—they should be soft but not mushy.
- Depending on your recipe, you might want to keep some cooking liquid. Red lentils tend to absorb a lot of liquid, so if you're making a soup or stew, you can retain some. For salads or side dishes, feel free to drain extra water.
- Your cooked red lentils are ready to be added to your desired recipe, whether it's a soup, curry, salad, dip, or any other dish.
Notes
So, if you're planning a meal with a side of red lentils, 1 cup of dried lentils should serve approximately 2 to 4 people, depending on the portion size and the other dishes you're serving. If red lentils are the main part of the dish, then 1 cup of dried lentils may serve 2 as a main course. Keep in mind that specific recipes may vary, so always adjust the quantities to match your serving needs and preferences.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Jayne
This was my first time using red lentils. We tried them in several of your soup recipes and even my picky eater enjoyed them. Thanks for opening up my cooking experience.
Lubna
Wonderful information and delightful recipes. We Indians call this as masoor dal and make a side dish which go perfectly well with roti (Indian flat bread). Can't wait to try these recipes.
Toni
Thank you so much for the tips and recipes! Great to know more about red lentils!
Carrie Robinson
I just love lentils! 🙂 Such great tips for cooking them, and I am loving these recipes that you can use them in.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
Red lentils are such a staple in soups, stew and side dishes, so this post is really useful for cooking them perfectly.
Holley
I am loving all of these endless options of red lentil recipes! I had no idea there are so many different ways to incorporate these little guys! Thanks for sharing!