How to cook dried lentils or pulses

Rinse your lentils in a strainer or sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes any dirt or debris.

In a saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with water. Use 2 cups of water for every cup of lentils.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the lentils simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook the lentils for 15–20 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of lentils, so check them periodically.

Once cooked, carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into a strainer or sieve to drain the lentils.

Safety tips:

• Be careful when handling boiling water to avoid burns. Use oven mitts when handling the hot saucepan.
• When draining the lentils, ensure the strainer is stable and placed over the sink, pour the water away from yourself to prevent steam burns and splashes.