How To Rinse Lentils

Lentils are a small, lens-shaped, edible pulse that come in many colors, including black, brown, green, red, and yellow. They are a great source of protein and fiber. Lentils can be bought whole or pre-split. They are quick-cooking and easily absorb the flavors of other ingredients in a dish.

How To Rinse Lentils

There is no one definitive way to rinse lentils. Some people might advise using a fine mesh strainer, while others might recommend using your hands to rub the lentils clean. Ultimately, you’ll want to ensure that any impurities or residue are removed before cooking.

A colander, a pot, water

  • Pour lentils into a pot add water to the pot bring water to a boil reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes
  • Rinse lentils in cold water
  • Drain lentils

-Rinse lentils in a fine mesh strainer -discard any broken lentils or debris -place rinsed lentils in a pot and add enough water to cover by about 2 inches -bring to a boil over medium-high heat -reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender, about 15 minutes -drain any excess water and season as desired


Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lentils Supposed To Be Rinsed?

Yes, lentils should be rinsed before cooking to remove any debris or dust.

How Much Lentils Should I Rinse?

Generally, lentils do not require rinsing. However, if your lentils are particularly dusty or dirty, you may choose to rinse them before cooking.

Should You Rinse Red Lentils?

There is no need to rinse red lentils before cooking. Rinsing can actually remove some of the lentils’ flavor.


In Summary

Lentils are a versatile legume that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are typically rinsed before cooking to remove any debris or dust that may be present.

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