Step 1

Rinse the lentils under running water in a strainer. Sort through the lentils to pick out and remove any shriveled or discolored ones.

Step 2

If you want some of the red lentils to retain their shape, while still being cooked through, combine the 1 cup lentils with 2 cups water in a pot or saucepan with a lid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to very low to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice to promote even cooking. If the lentils are still not cooked through at 8 minutes, cook for a few minutes longer. Drain excess water before serving/using.

Step 3

To cook red lentils in the typical way, so that they break down into a mushy texture, combine the 1 cup lentils with 3 cups water in a pot or saucepan with a lid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to very low to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice to promote even cooking. If the lentils are still not cooked through at 8 minutes, cook for a few minutes longer. Drain excess water before serving/using.