How to Microwave Brown Lentils
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
32-33 minsFree Time
to read a few pages of your book
Looking for an easy way to add more fiber to your diet? Brown lentils, known for their high fiber content and nutritional benefits, can be prepared super quickly using the microwave. Make a big batch for stirring into soups, adding to curries, or topping salads.
Important: This recipe works only with brown lentils. Other varieties like red, beluga, and green lentils have different cooking times!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ½ cup (100g) brown lentils
- 1½ cups water
Preparation
- Add the water and brown lentils to the Anyday Deep Dish,.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 32-33 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Rest covered for 5 minutes. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain any excess water before serving or storing.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Quick lentil salad: Season cooked lentils with Italian dressing and a spoonful of pesto for a flavorful, easy salad.
- Soup addition: Stir lentils into soups to add extra fiber and hearty texture.
- Curry seasoning: Stir in curry powder, cumin, and a dash of turmeric for a spiced, flavorful side dish.
- Lentil tacos: Use cooked lentils as a filling for tacos, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and topped with salsa and guacamole.
Recipe notes
- his recipe works only with brown lentils. Other varieties like red, beluga, and green lentils have different cooking times!
- You don’t need to soak the lentils before cooking them in the microwave.
- Sub in chicken or vegetable stock for water for extra flavor.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Brown Lentils
See for yourself— microwaving brown lentils is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 25 mins |
| Stovetop* | 25-30 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 25 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Brown Lentils
How long does it take to cook lentils in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup brown lentils | 1 1/2 cups water | 32-33 mins |
| 1 cup brown lentils | 3 cups water | 32-33 mins |
| 1 1/2 cups brown lentils | 4 1/2 cups water | 38-39 mins |
| 2 cups brown lentils | 6 cups water | 40-42 mins |
It typically takes around 25 minutes to cook brown lentils in the microwave. To tell when lentils are cooked through, look for plump and tender lentils. You can also test it by trying a bite; the lentils should be tender but not mushy.
How to freeze microwaved lentils?
To freeze microwaved lentils, first, cook them in the microwave and allow the lentils to rest according to the directions above. Let the lentils fully cool uncovered and transfer them to 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays. Cover and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Do you have to rinse lentils before cooking?
It is recommended to rinse lentils before cooking to remove any unwanted dust or debris. You may want to briefly sort through the lentils to make sure you’ve picked out any unwanted pieces.
Is it required to soak lentils before cooking them?
It is unnecessary to soak lentils before cooking them in the microwave. If you wish to soak the lentils, be sure to lower the total cooking time and check it halfway through to make sure the lentils don’t overcook.
Are microwaved lentils good for you?
Lentils are packed with a special kind of fiber that's great for your digestive system and promotes healthy gut bacteria. Additionally, fiber can potentially lower the risk of colorectal cancer and has a vital role in keeping our digestive system regular and supporting the immune system.
