how to know when lentils are done

5 hours ago 10
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Lentils are done cooking when they become tender and no longer crunchy. The best way to know if lentils are done is to taste a few. They should be soft enough to chew without any crunch. Different types of lentils have different cooking times: red lentils take about 15-20 minutes and tend to become soft and may break down, while brown and green lentils usually take 25-40 minutes and hold their shape even when tender. Black and French lentils typically cook in 20-30 minutes and also hold their shape well. If lentils become mushy, they have likely been overcooked. Generally, lentils should be tender but not mushy unless a creamy texture is desired for certain recipes like dals or soups. After cooking, lentils are often drained as not all the water is absorbed during cooking. Tasting the lentils is always the best way to tell when they are perfectly cooked to preference.