Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) dried lentils (brown, green, red, or black)
  • 4 cups (950ml) water or vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place lentils in a sieve and rinse under cold running water, removing any debris, stones, or damaged lentils.
  2. Transfer the rinsed lentils to a saucepan. Add water or vegetable broth, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Brown/Green Lentils: 30-45 minutes, Red Lentils: 15-20 minutes, Black Lentils: 20-25 minutes.
  4. If there’s excess liquid, drain the lentils through the sieve. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  5. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or other spices. Serve as desired.