What are fast-cooking lentils for weeknight dinners?

Question

What are some fast-cooking lentils for weeknight dinners? Discover which dals, like masoor or moong, are perfect for quick and easy meals.

Answer 1

Red lentils and yellow split peas are the fastest-cooking lentils, often ready in just 15-20 minutes, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Detailed Explanation:

When you're short on time, the type of lentil you choose matters. Unlike brown or green lentils, which can take 30-45 minutes to cook, red lentils and yellow split peas break down quickly during cooking, resulting in a creamy texture. This is because they are split and have had their outer skins removed.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Red Lentils: These cook in about 15-20 minutes. They are great for thickening soups and stews, or making Indian dals.
2. Yellow Split Peas: Similar to red lentils, these cook in about 20 minutes. They have a slightly sweeter flavor and are often used in soups and purees.
3. Brown or Green Lentils: These take longer, usually 30-45 minutes, and hold their shape better, making them suitable for salads or lentil loaves.

To cook red lentils or yellow split peas, simply rinse them, add them to a pot with water or broth (about 2-3 cups of liquid per cup of lentils), bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender.

Pro Tip:

Add a pinch of salt towards the end of the cooking time. Adding salt at the beginning can toughen the lentils and prolong the cooking process.