Lentils are great. They’re healthy, versatile, and cheap to buy, but, and this is a big but, they’re not that easy to cook. Too much water and too much cooking time and end up in a soft mess. Very little water and very little time, and it’s like eating small bullets, it’s not pleasant and can end up in a big dental bill. So how to cook lentils in a rice cooker?
Not surprisingly, most people who enjoy lentils find themselves standing on the stove watching them cook for what seems like an eternity.
However, you might be surprised to find that the humble rice cooker can produce some of the best lentils you’ve ever tasted. So, let’s look at the process and find out exactly how to cook this versatile dish.
My best rice cookers for
lentils
What are lentils?
Lentils are legumes, which means they belong to the same family as peas and beans. Lentils are particularly nutritious because they contain high amounts of protein in addition to several essential minerals, such as iron and potassium. Lentils also provide an important source of fiber in our diets: just 1/2 cup cooked provides about 16% of the recommended daily intake.
They are considered a superfood, and they can give you an energy boost because they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is why many people recommend eating lentils in addition to salads specifically for their high nutrient content.
Are lentils healthy?
Ok, you’ve probably seen them in health food stores and lifestyle magazine recipes, but do you know why, or even if, lentils really are as healthy as the experts say? Well, since they’re high in protein and fiber and low in fat, it’s not hard to see the benefits. They are also rich in iron, zinc and potassium and are a great source of vitamin B.
One of the biggest health benefits derived from lentils is using them as a replacement for animal proteins and moving to a more plant-based diet. By using them to reduce your fat intake and increase your fiber intake, the health benefits will be immediate and significant. In fact, according to the Journal of American Medicine, replacing plant protein with animals is associated with a lower risk of premature death, and that’s something everyone should be interested in.
They are also an extremely versatile cooking ingredient because they maintain the flavor very well and, when cooked correctly, can be molded into empanadas or used as a base for soups. You can also use them as a taco filling, add them to salads, and mix them into stews, so really, when it comes to their versatility, they just can’t be beat.
Therefore, they are healthy, they are cheap and they are versatile. But how do you actually cook them? Well, let’s take a look and in particular, I want to show you that cooking lentils can be quite easy, especially if you use your rice cooker. But, before we dive into the process, it’s probably worth taking a quick look at the different types of lentils you can buy.
Different types of lentils
You might think there are only a variety of humble lentils, but you’d be wrong. There are actually several types of lentils and they all have different cooking properties. Let’s take a look at the main types of lentils available at most health food stores.
Black lentils
- : Also called beluga lentils due to their caviar-like appearance, these lentils have a strong earthy flavor. They’re less common than the other types of lentils, so they may not be available in your local area, but they’re worth a try if you get the chance. They are great for sprinkling on sweet or baked potatoes or are often added to salads. Like other lentils, they can be mashed or roasted and add a lovely twist to savory snacks.
- Pink lentils: They are often used in soups and stews because they break down quickly when cooking and form a smooth paste. They are similar in taste and consistency to the following type….
- Yellow lentils: Like pink lentils, they break down to form a smooth paste that is great for mixing with food or making a base for soup. They are great to add to ground beef, so they can be used to thicken bolognese or chili and are parents’ best friend when trying to introduce some fiber into the child’s diet 🙂. Yellow lentil is the most popular type of lentil in Europe and North America, although it is sometimes called a pea. It is actually not a pea, but a legume that has dried up. It gets its name from how peas separate when dry: this process leaves only their outer layer that turns mottled yellow when cooked.
- Green lentils: Also called French lentils, these are the smallest variety and take a little longer to cook. They also tend to retain their shape, so they’re not great for soups or stews. They don’t need to be soaked, but if you choose not to soak them, they will take longer to cook. Green lentil is the best-selling type in grocery stores, and it’s also my favorite. It has a nutty flavor similar to that of whole peas but with a firmer texture than split peas. They are ideal for salads or any dish where you want them to retain their shape rather than mixing as they do when cooked for a long time.
- French green lentils (also known as Le Puy lentils) is my favorite, and it’s also what I use most often in cooking because of how delicious the taste is. It has dark green skins with a bright green interior when raw, but turns light brown when cooked. It’s smaller and rounder than other lentils, and has a firmer texture that makes them good for salads, as well as soups or stews where you want lentils to hold their shape rather than becoming mushy like split peas do when boiled too long.
In addition to these five types of lentils, there is also an orange version that has been known by various names such as Egyptian lentils, Egyptian beans or simply orange lentils. The main difference between red and yellow split peas is how they are processed when dried: the result of how each type looks when cooked will also vary, but not so much in terms of taste.
So, as you can see,
there are several types of lentils available and this is important because, as you can see, they all have slightly different properties. Therefore, it is important to adjust your cooking time and choose the right type depending on the consistency you need.
So, that brings us to the most important part of this article: what is the process for cooking lentils and can you cook lentils in a rice cooker? How
to cook lentils in a rice cooker Well, to answer the main question, of course, you can cook lentils in a rice cooker
! After all, a rice cooker, even one as sophisticated as the Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB, is really a large pot with a timer attached. Fortunately, cooking lentils in a rice cooker is very simple; In fact, I can’t think of a better or easier way to cook them.
[amazon box=”B08BJCN79Q” template=”horizontal”]
The secret is in the mixture of water and lentils –
I prefer to use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils – and remember, you do not need to soak them but, if you wish, you should use a little less water in cooking since obviously, lentils will already contain enough moisture. Are lentils
gluten-free?
One question I get asked a lot is whether lentils don’t contain gluten. The answer is yes, lentils do not contain gluten.
Are lentils bad for you?
Although lentils
are, generally speaking, regarded as a very healthy food, some people worry that lentils may be bad for you.
While the following should not be taken as medical advice, it is important to note that lentils should not have any negative effects for most people unless they are consumed in excess, as with many other types of foods.
Lentil recipes can vary greatly depending on how you decide to cook them, but they are generally very healthy and nutritious!
Should you add any extra ingredients?
Personally, I like to add some herbs and spices while cooking and fresh garlic or some thyme is a great addition to what might otherwise be a slightly bland dish.
Tip: One thing you should never do when cooking lentils is to add acidic products. So, avoid ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice, as these actually cause lentil skins to become hard and take longer to cook. Of course, if your rice cooker is on a timer, this will ruin the final product, so if anything you add these at the end after cooking is complete.
Cooking lentils really couldn’t be simpler. I avoid any complicated programming and only try to cook them for about 40 minutes. Just make sure the lentils and water are well mixed after adding them to the pot and you’ll get great results.
Some frequently asked questions
How much water do I need to cook lentils in a rice cooker
? To cook lentils in a rice cooker
, you will need to add two cups of water for every cup of dried lentils. So, if you are cooking one cup of dried lentils, you will need to add two cups of water. You’ll also need to add some oil to the pot to help prevent the lentils from sticking. Once the pot has come to a boil, you will need to reduce the heat and simmer the lentils for about 20 minutes, or until they are well cooked. After cooking, you can drain excess water or leave some in the pot to help keep the lentils moist.
How long does it take for lentils to cook in rice cooker?
Cooking lentils in a rice cooker is a simple and convenient way to prepare them. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentils used, but it will usually take between 30 and 45 minutes. To cook lentils in a rice cooker, start by rinsing them in a strainer. Then, add the rinsed lentils to the rice cooker pot along with water or broth. The ratio of liquid to lentils should be 2: 1.Next, close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Most rice cookers have a predetermined cooking time of 30 minutes, but you may need to adjust this based on the type of lentils you’re using. Once the timer turns off, open the lid and check if the lentils are tender. If they are not, close the lid and let them continue cooking for a few more minutes. Once they are well cooked, sponge with a fork and season to taste. Serve them as is or add them to your favorite recipe.
How do you cook split red lentils in a rice cooker?
To cook split red lentils in a rice cooker, start by rinsing the lentils and then add them to the pot. Then, add 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils. If you want to add flavor, you can also add a cube of broth or some spices. Once everything is in the kitchen, place it in the “rice” setting and let it cook until the lentils are tender and the water is absorbed. This should take about 30 minutes. Once the lentils are ready, fluff them with a fork and serve. Enjoy!
What can I add to lentils for flavor?
For additional flavor, you can add a bay leaf or other aromatics to the water. Simply boil the lentils, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Once cooked, remove the lid and let the lentils cool slightly before serving. This simple technique will ensure that your lentils are perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
What is the healthiest way to cook lentils? The healthiest way to cook
lentils
is, of course, in a rice cooker. This method will preserve the nutrients in the lentils and prevent them from overcooking. To cook lentils in a rice cooker, simply add the lentils and water to the pot and set the timer for the desired cooking time. The rice cooker will do the rest, and you will have perfectly cooked lentils every time.
Should you drain lentils?
While some people may drain lentils after cooking, it is not necessary and can actually lead to a loss of flavor and nutrients. When cooking lentils in a rice cooker, the goal is to cook them until they are tender but not soft. If you drain the water before they are fully cooked, they will continue to cook in the hot pan and may overcook. In addition, draining lentils can cause them to lose essential vitamins and minerals. So, unless your recipe specifically calls for it, there’s no need to drain lentils after cooking.
Can lentilsbe overcooked? While it is possible to
overcook lentils
, it is relatively difficult to do so. Lentils are a type of legume, which is a category of legumes that also includes beans, peas, and chickpeas. Legume crops are grown for their dry, edible seeds, which are rich in protein and fiber. Lentils are relatively small and quick-cooked, making them a popular choice for weekday meals. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentil used, but most varieties will be done in 20-30 minutes. If you use a rice cooker to cook lentils, the general rule is to use two parts water for every part of dried lentils. Again, the cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentil used, but most varieties will be made in 30-40 minutes. While it is possible to overcook lentils, doing so will result in a soft product that may not be as desirable. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on them while they are cooking and check the cooking according to the times provided above.
Why don’t my lentils soften?
Lentils should be cooked until soft, but not soft. Depending on the type of lentil, this can take between 20 and 30 minutes. Another common mistake is not adding enough water. Lentils absorb a lot of water, so be sure to add at least two cups of water for every cup of lentils. Finally, be sure to remove the lentils from time to time while cooking. This will help prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot and overcooking. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your lentils come out perfect every time.
Last Words
So, there you have it. It turns out that you can cook lentils in a rice cooker and, not only that, but it’s really easy and using your rice cooker is a real time saver.
If you want to know how to cook other dishes in a rice cooker,
which are not plain rice, then maybe you should check out my article on how to cook sushi rice in a rice cooker or how to cook pasta in a rice cooker. Once you understand the possibilities, you will open up a new world of cooking.
