How to Cook Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils)

5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils)

Learn how to cook up the perfect pot of black lentils in 20 minutes with my foolproof recipe. Use these delicious lentils in soups, salads, wraps and much more.

Prep Time2

Cook Time20

Total Time22

Course: How-to

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 152kcal

Author: Vaishali · Holy Cow Vegan

Equipment

Saucepan with lid

Ingredients

1 cup beluga lentils (also labeled "black lentils"
3 cups water (or vegetable stock, for more flavor)

Instructions

Place the lentils in a strainer. Pick out any stones or any lentils that look damaged, then rinse under running water. Place the lentils in a saucepan.
Add three cups water to the lentils.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat to a simmer, cover the pot and let the lentils cook 20 minutes or until very tender. The lentils should still hold their shape.

Notes

Strain the lentils before adding them to salads. If using the lentils in a soup you can keep the cooking water and add it instead of water to the soup.

Optional additions

Add in one or all of the following to add more flavor to the lentils or if you plan to serve these as a side dish:

½ teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs rosemary or oregano, or a couple of leaves of sage
2 garlic cloves, smashed

Nutrition