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Home » Easy Vegetarian Lentils and Beans Recipes

Published: Jun 30, 2023 by Padma Kumar

How to cook red lentils on stovetop

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Learn how to cook red lentils on the stovetop with the best lentil to water ratio and turn these delicious lentils into easy dinners.

Cooked masoor dal is served with plain white rice and garnished with fresh herbs in a bowl. Some split red lentils and whole spices are strewn around the bowl on the table.

This post contains helpful notes and tips to help you make the perfect dish. However, if you are in a rush, please use the "Jump to Recipe" link above or the "Jump to" links below to get to the section you want.

People also call them masoor dal, and they are a common ingredient and a great source of plant-based protein in Indian cuisine.

You can make dal, the most popular dish with them, and also known as red lentil dal in some parts of the world, by simmering the lentils with herbs, spices and aromatics.

Jump to:
  • What is red lentil?
  • Split red lentils vs red lentils
  • What do lentils taste like?
  • Nutrition of red lentils
  • Cooking red lentils
  • Notes and tips
  • Making ahead and storage
  • Adding flavor to masoor dal + Recipe ideas
  • FAQ's
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

What is red lentil?

Red lentils are lens-shaped legumes that belong to the Fabaceae botanical family and have high nutritional value.

People all over the world, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, consume them widely.

Whole red lentils are placed in a wooden bowl. The bowl is placed on a piece of burlap. Some of the lentils have spilled on the burlap.

As the name suggests, red lentils have a red-orange hue and are smaller than other lentils.

They usually come in their split form, i.e. they have been hulled and split in half.

This split variety is common because it cooks faster than whole lentils and so it is a good option for a quick and healthy meal.

Buying and storing: When you buy the lentils, make sure they look clean, have the same size and color. Dried red lentils last for a long time and so you can stock them up.

Keep them in clean, air tight jars/ containers to keep out moisture and pests. Store them in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for up to eight months if you store them this way.

Split red lentils vs red lentils

Red lentils are whole, small, lens-shaped legume that have a red-orange color. Red split lentils are sometimes also called red lentils.

Sabut masoor dal are placed in a round red bowl with a metal spoon scooping some of the lentils from the bowl. The bowl is placed on a dark backdrop.

Spit red lentils cook faster because they are hulled and split.

Most of the red lentils you find in stores are already split, so if you see a package that says “red lentils", they are probably split lentils.

Split dried red lentils or masoor dal are placed in a round white bowl. The bowl is placed on a wooden background.

What do lentils taste like?

Red lentils taste delicious! They have a subtle flavor that matches well with other flavors and spices in a dish. They become tender and creamy when you cook them longer and with more liquid (or broth).

You can also flavor the lentils more by cooking them with herbs, spices, and seasonings. Check the section below for some suggestions and ideas.

Nutrition of red lentils

These lentils have a lot of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

They are low in fat and have no cholesterol, so they are good for a balanced diet.

Red lentils also give you a lot of folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium.

Look at the nutrition chart below the recipe card for more details.

Any doubts or questions? Feel free to ask via the comments below. I will try my best to answer them for you. - Padma

Cooking red lentils

Before we start cooking, just in case the question: "do I need to soak lentils before cooking them?" has popped in your head, let me answer it for you.

The answer is yes and no.

If you are using the lentils that have their skin on (and therefore brown or greenish-brown in color), you should soak them for at least two hours.

But if you are using red lentils (skin removed and therefore red in color), you don’t have to soak them. Just wash them well and use them in the recipe as directed.

Ok, now that the question is out of the way, let's learn how to cook red lentils.

Note: You can cook them in a Instant Pot or a pressure cooker, however, I prefer cooking them on stovetop because they cook fast anyway.

Please check the recipe card below for quantities.

To cook red lentils on stove top all you need are lentils and water.

Wash the lentils 2 to 3 times or until the water runs clear. Drain and keep them aside.

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil on medium-high heat.

Add the washed lentils and stir. Cook them on medium-high heat.

As the lentils cook, you will see some foam rising to the top. Use a spoon to skim it off. You may need to repeat this a few times until the foam is gone.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially with a lid, and let the lentils simmer for 12-13 minutes. Stir occasionally. At this stage, the lentils should be tender but still hold their shape.

Take the pan off the heat and stir the lentils. Cover and let them rest for 5 minutes. This will help the lentils to cook some more in their steam.

Cool completely and store them (see storage suggestions below) or use them in a recipe as required.

These cooked lentils have the ideal texture for salads and fillings. For dishes like dal, soup or stew, simmer them a little longer in the sauce/ broth to make them softer and mushier.

Notes and tips

You can cook red lentils easily because they are versatile. You can serve them as a side dish, or add them to soups, stews, curries, salads, or various vegetarian or vegan dishes.

To help you cook them perfectly every time, follow these notes and tips:

Yield: If you cook 1 cup of dry lentils, you will get about 2 and ¼ cups of cooked lentils.

Cooking ratio: Use 1:2 ratio of lentils to water for soft but not mushy lentils. This means that you will need 2 cups of water for every cup of dry lentils.

Water or stock?: You can choose either water or stock, depending on your preference and the recipe that you will use the lentils for.

Whole or split lentils?: I have used split red lentils in this recipe. However, you should remember that whole red lentils will take more time and water (or stock) to cook.

Salt or no salt? I do not recommend adding salt to the lentils while cooking. You can add salt later according to the recipe that you will make with the lentils.

Red lentils are free from all top 14 allergens. 

Making ahead and storage

If you cook red lentils as part of your weekly meal prep, you can save time. However, you should make sure the cooked lentils are completely cool before storing them.

In the refrigerator: Store them in an air-tight, fridge-safe container for up to five days.

In the freezer: Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thawing and reheating: To use the cooked lentils, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Alternatively, you can add them to a dish straight from frozen without thawing them first.

Adding flavor to masoor dal + Recipe ideas

These cooked red lentils are like a blank canvas for you to add flavors and textures to! Here are some ways you can do that:

  • salt - a simple but essential ingredient to make your lentils more tasty
  • onions, ginger, and garlic - the holy trinity for most Indian cooking! Finely chop the onions and add ginger garlic paste as per the recipe.
  • spice powders such as garam masala, bhuna jeera, shop bought or homemade curry powder can give a rich, complex flavor to the dal, stew or casserole.
  • tomatoes add a lovely umami depth to the lentils. Before adding the lentils, cook the tomatoes with spices and aromatics until they are soft and mushy.
  • coconut milk can give your dal or soup a creamy, velvety taste and texture.

You can also try these recipe suggestions:

  • Lemony lentil soup: This soup is tangy and refreshing. You can follow my recipe for yellow lentil soup and just replace the mung lentils with red lentils. Alternatively, you can cook the lentils as explained above. Then, add more water to make it soupy and simmer for 10 more minutes. The lentils will become creamy and mushy. Season with salt, turmeric and lemon juice. If you like spice, add some freshly milled black pepper and/or red pepper flakes.
  • Spinach dal: This dish is nourishing and healthy. You can enjoy it on its own or with some jeera rice or roti. To make it, heat oil in a pan and add some cumin seeds. When they splutter, add chopped spinach and turmeric. Cook until the spinach has wilted. Then, add the cooked red lentils and water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
  • Lentil and vegetable stew: This stew is mild and creamy. You can replace the yellow lentils with red lentils in this zucchini kootu recipe. Kootu is a Tamil word for stew. In this recipe, you will simmer chunks of zucchini (courgettes) in spices such as cumin, black pepper and fresh coconut. Then, you will add the cooked red lentils.
  • Masoor dal: This dal is warm and satisfying. You can pair it with some naan bread (or bullet naan, if you like it hot!). Just use red lentils instead of mung beans in my green moong dal recipe. You don’t have to soak or boil them beforehand, so it’s a quick and easy dish to make!

FAQ's

How should lentils be cooked?

Lentils can be cooked on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, depending on your preference and the available equipment.
Cooking ratio: The general ratio for cooking lentils is 1 part lentils to 2 parts water or broth. This can vary depending on the type of lentil and the desired consistency.
Seasoning and serving: Once the lentils are cooked, season them with salt and any additional spices, herbs, or ingredients according to your recipe. Lentils can be served as a side dish, added to soups, stews, curries, salads, or used as a base for various vegetarian or vegan dishes.

How do you know when lentils are fully cooked?

To determine if lentils are fully cooked and reach the desired tenderness, there are a few indicators to look for:
Texture: Lentils should be soft but still hold their shape. Gently press a few lentils between your fingers or taste them to check if they are tender. They should not be mushy or disintegrate easily, especially for dishes where you want lentils to maintain their form.
Taste: Take a small spoonful of cooked lentils and taste them. They should be cooked through without any raw or hard centers.
Appearance: The lentils should have a consistent color throughout, with no raw or uncooked parts.
Overcooked lentils can become mushy, so it's best to avoid prolonged cooking once they are tender.

Is masoor dal the same as red lentils?

Yes, masoor dal and red lentils refer to the same type of lentils. Masoor dal is the Hindi term for red lentils.
These lentils are small, lens-shaped legumes with a reddish-orange color. They are commonly used in Indian cuisine and are known for their quick cooking time and versatility in various dishes such as dal, curries, soups, and salads.

If you have enjoyed reading this post on how to cook red lentils, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. This will make me super happy and motivate me to create more good content for you! You can also engage with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram xx Padma

📖 Recipe

Cooked red lentils are placed in a white high bowl. The bowl is placed on a folded grey colored cloth with a spring of fresh herb next to it.
Padma Kumar

How to cook red lentils on stovetop

5 from 64 votes
Red lentils, with their quick cooking time and versatile nature, make a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Whether you're craving a comforting lentil soup or a hearty lentil curry, mastering the art of cooking red lentils on the stovetop is a valuable skill.
Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful red lentils every time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Resting time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Course: Meal Prep
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 167
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup (~200g) dry red lentils (masoor dal)
  • 2 cups water

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan with lid
  • 1 mixing spoon

Instructions
 

  1. Wash the lentils 2-3 times or until the water runs clear. Drain and keep aside.
  2. Bring the water to boil in a saucepan on medium-high heat.
    2 cups water
  3. Add the washed lentils, mix and let it come to a boil.
    1 cup (~200g) dry red lentils (masoor dal)
  4. As the lentils cook, you will see some foam rising to the top. Use a spoon to skim it off. You may need to repeat this a few times until the foam is gone.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially with a lid, and let the lentils simmer for 12-13 minutes. Stir occasionally.
    At this stage, the lentils should be tender but still hold their shape.
  6. Take the pan off the heat and stir the lentils. Cover and let them rest for 5 minutes. This will help the lentils to cook in their steam some more.
  7. Cool completely and store them or use them in a recipe as required.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12.2g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 7.8g | Sugar: 2.2g | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclosure

The nutritional information is calculated using an online calculator and is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists' advice. Changing the quantities and cooking technique will alter the nutritional calculations.

Notes

Allergens-free labels: Red lentils are free from all top 14 allergens. 
Yield: 1 cup of dry lentils yield about 2 and ¼ cups of cooked lentils. 
Lentil to water ratio: For the lentils to be cooked soft but not mushy, the best ratio of lentil to water is 1:2 i.e. for 1 cup of dry lentils you will need 2 cups of water. 
Water or stock?: Either is fine, as per your preference and the requirement of the recipe that you will be adding the lentils to. 
Whole or split lentils?: In this recipe I have used split red lentils. Remember that whole red lentils will take longer to cook and will require more water (or stock) to cook.
Salt or no salt? I do not add any salt to the lentils. I add salt as per the requirement of the recipe that I am adding them in.
Scaling the recipe

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only.

Allergens Disclaimer

Our content aims to be informative and educational, but it should not replace professional medical advice. Since manufacturing processes can vary and cross-contamination is possible, it's essential to verify product labels and allergen information. Make sure all ingredients align with your specific allergies. As readers, you bear the responsibility for ensuring allergen safety when buying or consuming foods.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carmen says

    March 07, 2024 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    Tried this lentil and vegetable stew and it was so delicious. The lentils were soft and creamy just the way I like them. I'm hooked and already planning to try the lemony lentil soup next.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 08, 2024 at 3:23 pm

      So glad that it worked out for you Carmen. These lentils are a favorite at home.

      Reply
  2. Michaela says

    March 07, 2024 at 7:52 am

    5 stars
    How did I not know that cooking lentils was so quick and easy?? I just gave this a try and all I can say is I'll be making a LOT more dishes with lentils from now on.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 08, 2024 at 3:24 pm

      Yay, so happy for you Michaela. Looking forward to your lentil dishes!

      Reply
  3. Eunice says

    March 07, 2024 at 6:08 am

    5 stars
    The lentils were perfectly cooked, soft but not so mushy. Used it in lemony soup and it was tangy and the lentils became so creamy. So delicious!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 08, 2024 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you do much Eunice. So glad it worked out well.

      Reply
  4. Bobbi says

    March 07, 2024 at 4:12 am

    5 stars
    Every time I've made lentils before, they always turn out mushy. This was perfect. Thanks for all the tips!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 08, 2024 at 3:26 pm

      So happy to read this Bobbi. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
  5. Dianne says

    March 06, 2024 at 9:45 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for this guide! I recently got some red lentils but I was a bit intimidated because I didn't want to overcook it! This was so helpful!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 08, 2024 at 3:28 pm

      Thank you Dianne. Happy cooking!

      Reply
  6. Katie says

    November 03, 2023 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    I used to always overcook red lentils, but this post has helped me cook the perfectly! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Merritt says

    November 02, 2023 at 3:18 am

    I have always been a little intimidated by lentils but you make them sound approachable and yummy! Definitely trying

    Reply
  8. tianna says

    November 02, 2023 at 1:37 am

    5 stars
    Red lentils are not one of my favorite of the all the lentils, but enjoyed learning the best way to cook them

    Reply
  9. Conchetta says

    September 07, 2023 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    I have not cooked lentils before- You made it easy. I used them in a curry- they were great. I love this site ♥️

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      September 09, 2023 at 5:02 pm

      Ah! Lentils curry is the best. So glad you found it helpful!

      Reply
5 from 64 votes (56 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Padma! I am a passionate cook and can cook through any mood! My cooking is all about simple, healthy meals made with fresh ingredients and with a lot of love. As a mum and an early childhood educator, I deeply care about raising healthy eaters.

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