Simmer Not Boil

• Bringing the water to a rapid boil on the stovetop is a surefire way to cause the lentils to fall apart. While it is OK to start the cooking process on high heat, the minute the water shows any sign of boiling, turn the heat down to medium and allow the lentils to simmer. Stir the lentils ever so gently as they cook. The average cooking time for lentils is between 15 and 25 minutes.

The Taste Test

• Average cooking time aside, the time it takes to cook lentils may vary depending on the seeds themselves. For instance, green lentils cook faster than brown, so cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. The only way to ensure that you are not overcooking your lentils is to test them periodically as they cook. Scoop a few out after the first 15 minutes, allow them to cool and bite down on them to test the tenderness.

Out of the Pot

• Even if you remove the pot from the heat after cooking, lentils will continue to cook in the hot water. Avoid this scenario by draining the lentils in a strainer immediately after cooking is complete. Spread the cooked lentils out on a baking sheet or large serving plate to help them cool more quickly after straining. An alternative method of cooling is to rinse the cooked lentils with cool water from the sink after straining.

Lentil Leftovers

• Leftover cooked lentils keep well in the refrigerator for four days in an airtight container, or frozen for 30 days, before quality begins to diminish. Transfer the lentils from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to reheat them. Pour the lentils into a pot, adding just enough water to cover. Simmer the lentils on the stovetop until heated through, testing them after just a few minutes of simmering to ensure they do not overcook.