Cooking Lentils in a Crock Pot: Easy Steps and Tips

Are you looking for a simple and convenient way to cook lentils? Discover how to cook delicious and nutritious lentils in your crock pot with this step-by-step guide. This method not only saves time but also ensures your lentils are tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 cup of dried lentils (green or brown) 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth or water 1 onion, chopped 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced 2 carrots, diced (optional) 2 celery stalks, diced (optional) 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon of black pepper (adjust to taste) Optional spices: cumin, thyme, bay leaf Optional add-ins: diced tomatoes, spinach

Instructions

Rinse the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris or dirt. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery if using. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Place the rinsed lentils in the crock pot. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Pour in the broth or water. Add salt, pepper, and any optional spices or add-ins. Set the Temperature: Low: Cook for 6-8 hours. High: Cook for 3-4 hours. Check for Doneness: Lentils should be tender but not mushy. If they need more time, continue cooking and check periodically. Serve: Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve as a side dish over rice or as part of a salad or soup.

Tips

No Soaking Needed: Unlike some beans, lentils do not require soaking. Storage: Cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Alternative Cooking Methods: Some prefer electric pressure cookers or traditional stovetop methods. The crock pot method offers convenience and taste retention.

Conclusion

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious lentils cooked to perfection in your crock pot. This easy and flavorful recipe is a great addition to any meal, whether as a side dish or part of a larger dish like soup or salad. Give it a try and discover the convenience of crock pot cooking!