Do you have to soak lentils? This article will tell you!

Do you have to soak lentils? – I am often asked this question and the answer depends on the type of lentil. Some are smaller, some are larger, some are red or yellow and then there are the brown lentils. They are suitable for different dishes and depending on the recipe, they may or may not need to be soaked.

Soak lentils before cooking: yes or no?

The answer: Not all of them! Lentils are not only delicious and versatile, but also very healthy and belong to the legume family. Dried lentils have a long shelf life, but not all of them need to be soaked before cooking. However, some varieties benefit from soaking as they cook faster and become more digestible. Soaking helps to break down substances that are difficult to digest and shortens the cooking time.

Do you have to soak red lentils?

Red lentils are already peeled and have a very short cooking time of approx. 10-15 minutes. For this reason, you don’t need to soak them beforehand. Soaking them would cause them to fall apart more quickly during cooking, which also happens if they are cooked for longer without soaking. However, the red lentils are absolutely perfect for conjuring up an aromatic Lebanese lentil soup.

Do you have to soak brown lentils?

Brown lentils, such as plate lentils, have a longer cooking time of 30-40 minutes. Soaking them for 12-24 hours can reduce the cooking time to around 10-15 minutes. Soaking not only saves time, but also energy.

How long do the different lentils need to soak?

The soaking time varies depending on the type of lentil and you can even do without soaking smaller lentils such as red or yellow lentils because they are already peeled. The following applies to the other varieties:

• Disc lenses: 12-24 hours
• Green lentils: 1-2 hours
• Beluga lentils: 1-2 hours

The soaking process releases substances that are difficult to digest and can quickly cause bloating. I therefore advise you to pour away the lentil soaking water and use fresh water for cooking.

Tips for soaking and cooking lentils

• Washing: Rinse the lenses thoroughly before cooking to remove dirt and dust.
• Soaking water: You can use the soaking water to preserve nutrients. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, it is advisable to use fresh water to avoid bloating.
• Acidity: Avoid adding vinegar or lemon juice during cooking, as this can make the lentils hard.
• Salt: Only add salt after cooking, as it can prolong the cooking time.

You can also follow me on Instagram for even more inspiration about Levante cuisine.

Would you like to try out a few lentil recipes? Then I recommend the oriental lentil salad, the spicy lentil spread and the eggplant and lentil stew from the Levant.