Can You Microwave Lentils?

Lentils are an important ingredient in many recipes, but can you microwave them? It’s possible to microwave lentils and prepare your favorite meal.

Lentils can be stubborn to prepare, especially the long wait for them to be well-cooked, so you will agree with me.

In this article, I will show you how to make lentils quickly. Enjoy!

Things to Know Before Microwaving Lentils:

Soaking Is Mandatory!

To make lentils soft enough for the microwave to cook them, you need to soak them for at least an hour.

It is okay for some people to soak the lentils overnight. It is a good idea to soak them overnight to give better results.

Use a Microwave-safe Bowl

To cook the lentils in the microwave, you will need to set the microwave to high power.

It is recommended that you don’t place plastic bowls in the microwave. I think ceramic or glass is good.

Steps

Wash the Lentils:

Lentils are small seeds that are prone to collecting sand and other tiny particles in their small crevices. If you want to get rid of these particles, wash the lentils in a strainer or sieve.

Depending on how clean your lentils are, the number of times you need to rinse them will be different.

Soak the Lentils:

I have said before that soaking the lentils is mandatory. Before moving on to the next step, you should make sure that your lentils have spent at least an hour in water.

Microwave the Lentils:

Lentils can be mixed with water in a microwave-safe bowl. The lentils should be microwaved for about seven minutes.

The water should be drained and the lentils should be washed with cold water. The water should be an inch above the lentils’ level if you add it to the bowl.

Salt, flavors, and olive oil can be added at this point. For about seven minutes on high power, microwave the lentils. Allow it to cool for ten minutes.

If lentils are not tender enough, microwave them again for ten minutes on half power.

Tips:

• You can cover the lentils or leave them uncovered in the microwave.
• Adding salt to the lentils before cooking in the microwave gives them a firm texture. It’s best to put salt after cooking if you need to break your lentils.
• The ratio of three cups of water to one cup of lentils should be found in the bowl during cooking. You can always drain the excess water because you are cooking, not warming.

Are Lentils Healthy?

Lentils are low in fat and an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and protein, which makes them a good choice for vegetarians.

It makes them a good plant-based alternative to meat.

They are believed to protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes because they contain fiber and resistant starch.

Lentils are rich in calcium, iron, and B vitamins, and are also rich in minerals. An 80g portion of lentils is one of your five-a-day, but only one.

According to Michael Greger, a doctor. According to NutritionFacts.org, the nutrition difference between canned and dried lentils is insignificant.

The salt content in some pre-cooked food is something that he warns against. Don’t buy pre-cooked lentils if you want to avoid salt.

Adding salt to lentils can remove some of the nutrition, so rinse them.

How to Store Lentils?

In a dark place such as a cupboard, you can store lentils. If you open a packet of lentils, keep the rest in a sealed jar.

They will last up to a year if kept properly. How long to store pre-cooked lentils depends on the sell-by date. They last from a few months to a year open or not.

Stored pre-cooked lentils in the fridge for up to three days. You must eat them by this time. Store cooked lentils in the fridge for up to five days.

If you freeze lentils, eat them within six months. Wait at room temperature and then thaw. You might need to add a little water to loosen the cooking.

Conclusion

Is it possible to microwave lentils? We have answered that question in the above article.

I have given you everything you need to know when you begin to cook lentils. You’ll never use your stove to prepare them again if you try it out.