A Complete Guide to Cooking With Lentils

how to cook lentilshow to cook lentils

Whether you've decided to go vegan or you just love a good dahl (and who doesn't?), learning how to cook with lentils opens up the door to a plethora of delicious plant-based foods and meals. Unfortunately, lentils have gotten a reputation for being somewhat challenging to cook with... many of us hear about things like rinsing and soaking and sprouting, and we get understandably intimidated. But actually, cooking with lentils is super simple, once you know what you're doing. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to cooking lentils, and five classic recipes to use them in.

COOKING LENTILS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Photo via Mario Raj/Unsplash

  1. Place lentils into a strainer, and rinse under tepid water. As you're rinsing the lentils, finger through them to ensure you remove any straggling dirt or debris.
  2. Pour 3 cups of water or broth into a pan and heat on the stove at medium-high heat. We STRONGLY recommend using broth, as your lentils will be infused with the delicious flavors of the stock. Add 1 cup of lentils and bring to a boil.
  3. Once the liquid is boiling, turn down the heat to low to allow the liquid to simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender. This will take 15-20 minutes for whole lentils, and 5-7 minutes for split lentils.
  4. Once the lentils are tender and the water has boiled away, turn off the heat and keep the lentils covered for about 5-10 minutes to allow them to continue absorbing the steam, just like you would rice.
  5. Now it's time for the finishing touch: Salt the lentils to taste. When making lentils (unlike cooking pasta) salting happens at the end, not the beginning.

You'll notice we didn't say anything about soaking—unlike with most legumes, there's no need to soak lentils!

OUR FAVORITE RECIPES

Red Curry Lentils

Lentils and curry go together like peas and carrots... must be a legume thing. (via Pinch of Yum)

Cheesy Lentil, Mushroom & Rice Bake

Stuffed with lentils, Pecorino-Romano cheese, cremini mushrooms, and brown rice, this dish isn't just filling, it's absolutely protein packed. (via The Kitchn)

Healthy Vegetarian Lentil-Walnut Meatballs

Meat lover? We feel you. But we guarantee you'll leave these meatless balls of yum just as much as your usual go-to variety. (via Vegetarian Ventures)

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Kid-approved and veg-friendly, these sloppy joes may be even tastier than the original. (via Minimalist Baker)

Coconut Curried Golden Lentils

Curries are warming, comforting, and perfect for fall and winter evenings. This coconut- and lentil-based version adds "healthy" to that list. (via Minimalist Baker)

What's your favorite way to cook with lentils? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and don't forget to subscribe to our email list for new food hacks and recipe ideas!

Featured photo via Monika Grabkowska/Unsplash.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Sarah J. Maas is keeping readers in the dark about ACOTAR book 6 book 6, but that hasn't stopped fans from sharing elaborate theories about its plot! Our favorite ones revolve around Feyre's middle sister Elain and her overdue POV. For five books, we've watched her live in the shadows of her sister even after being thrown into a cauldron by the despicable King Hybern. She's only shared glimpses of her personality, but that's nothing compared to what readers feels she deserves.

Here's what BookTok thinks about ACOTAR book 6 being the moment we see Elain step into her power or worse

The first theory that stands out is one TikTok user @savannahlueckk shared in this video. Her caption says, "i have a theory that everyone is going to switch up on her and love her all the sudden lmao," in regards to Elain. I don't think anyone truly doubts where she's loved, but it's clear they're not allowing her to come into her own either. From there, the text overlay on the video compares Elain to "Rapunzel," calling out how she's been "sheltered and underestimated by everyone around her."

The first comment on the video says, "She is going to be a whole different person once we get her POV and I can’t wait" while the second comment refers to Frozen 2's song "Into the Unknown." "...just her hearing voices and getting frustrated with them and what they mean as well and learning to embrace her seer powers," user @emlechoppaa wrote.

Another theory by @thundernoblechristine refers to Elain's naturally extroverted personality and how she's currently dealing with everything she's experienced. She says, "Elain is unique in that out of all three of these sisters, she is the most extroverted and she clearly likes making friends...So it makes perfect sense to explore Elain's story as someone who processes trauma and gets to know people differently than Nesta and Feyre."

Only one comment mentioned Elain's potential mate which is great! @imaginedrealism wrote, "As goofy as it sounds, I want Elian with none of the people she is shipped with. She deserves someone totally normal not apart of the Far royalty drama, & it would be more interesting to see..."

But, we're not above leaning into the "Elain and Azriel Endgame theory. Tiktok user @abi.reads2 made her own video about why she thinks Elain and Azriel are meant to be together. She starts off reading a passage from A Court of Mist and Fury before revealing there's a point where the book left by the queen mentions "sing me." @abi.reads2 then points out that Azriel is a "shadowsinger," meaning he's able to detect things most people are unable to.

But @Shelbyaj319 has other thoughts. "I think Elain will manipulate them [Lucien and Azriel] into a blood duel or died or whatever and start a war. I think she’s the villain. She should have already denied the bond [with Lucien] by now yet hasn’t," she says.

There's so many different theories that could be right, but only Sarah J. Maas knows how ACOTAR book 6 will end!

Follow us on Facebook for more updates!

Many people use their freezers to save money, extend the shelf life their food, and reduce waste. The idea of stocking up on groceries and freezing them or packaging up leftovers is a budget-friendly option for busy households.

Unfortunately, though, not all foods are freezer-friendly and don't hold up to the cold. They might get freezer burn, separate, experience a texture change, or take on a bad taste.

So, to save yourself the disappointment later, here are eight foods you should never toss in the freezer

Scroll to find out which foods you should NEVER put in the freezer!

1. Whole Eggs

Pixabay

Egg prices may be skyrocketing right now, but freezing them isn't a safe solution.

When eggs are frozen in their shells, the liquid inside can expand, leaving you with cracked shells and ruined eggs. To freeze eggs properly, it's better to beat them first and store them in a sealed container.

2. Coffee Beans

Lukas

You might not know that freezing coffee beans can actually destroy their taste. The moisture from your freezer will interfere with the natural oils in the beans, and they can pick up unwanted odors.

For the best flavor, simply put your coffee beans in an airtight container and store them in an area that's dark and cool. This will keep them fresh for up to six weeks.

3. Cheese

Polina Tankilevitch

Freezing cheese can also reduce the quality significantly. The process tends to change both the flavor and texture, particularly with soft, aged cheeses or those that have air pockets.

Instead of turning to your freezer, cube or shred that extra block of cheese you have lying around. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag to use later in dishes like soups or casseroles.

4. Leafy Greens

Anna Guerrero

Leafy greens have a high water content, and freezing them causes the water to expand, ultimately damaging the cell structure of the leaves. This leads to a mushy, wilted texture once you decide to thaw your greens out.

Rather than freezing, try incorporating leftovers in salads or stews to cut back on food waste.

5. Yogurt

Mike Jones

It's true that freezing yogurt doesn't affect its nutritional value or probiotics. Nonetheless, the yogurt will separate, resulting in a grainy and watery texture that most people don't find very appealing.

Unless you intend to use yogurt later in smoothies, it's recommended that you skip freezing it altogether.

6. Fresh Herbs

monicore

Whether you have an herb garden or bought too many fresh herbs at the supermarket, freezing them whole is not the way to go. Herbs like cilantro, basil, and parsley will lose both their texture and flavor.

You can, however, use a different method. Just chop up your extra herbs, stick them in an ice cube tray with olive oil, and free them that way. Then, you'll have convenient herb cubes to incorporate in sauces, soups, and other dishes in the future.

7. Fried Foods

Gabriela Sakita

Whether you love chicken cutlets or fish and chips, the best fried foods have an audible "crunch" and taste fantastic when fresh. Yet, freezing and thawing tend to leave them soggy and without that signature crispy texture.

A better approach is to freeze these dishes without the fried coating or crumb topping. Then, add them before cooking or serving.

8. Cooked Pasta & Rice

Duygu Kelleci

We've all scooped too much rice or poured a hefty amount of pasta in the pot before, wondering what the heck we're supposed to do with all the leftovers. But steer clear of freezing cooked pasta or rice.

Once they're defrosted, they turn mushy and lose their flavor. The exception to this rule is pre-baked lasagna, which freezes well and can be heated up right before serving.

Looking for more food news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

I never shut up about Marvel, and I will continue to talk about it because my girl Sadie Sink is joining Spider-Man 4! Sources tell Deadline that the Stranger Things actress (who's starring in Broadway's John Proctor Is The Villain this spring) is set to join Tom Holland in his new superhero movie. Here's everything we know — from an absolute fangirl you can trust.

Sadie Sink is joining Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4, set to start filming this summer.

Sadie Sink will have a "significant" role in 'Spider-Man 4.'

Tom Holland confirmed that Spider-Man 4 is set to start filming in the summer of 2025, and Deadline reports that Sadie's role is "significant." Brit + Co reached out to Sony and Sadie Sink's reps for comment.

While we don't have any official news on the specifics of Sadie's character, considering the movie comes a couple of months after 2026's Avengers: Doomsday, I think there are a few characters Sadie would knock out of the park.

Is Sadie Sink playing Jean Grey?


With Sadie Sink's red hair, she would make a perfect variant for Zendaya's MJ (who is, herself, a version of Mary Jane from the comics). But with her sunny disposition and confidence, I could totally see her as Gwen Stacy too. My lead theory surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is that the characters we know so well will wind up in another universe — and could finally bring the X-Men into the MCU.

Even before Sadie's casting was confirmed, the leading rumor was that she'd join the MCU as Jean Grey/Phoenix, a role held by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner in previous X-Men adaptations. And this is the role I hope we see her in!

Spider-Man fans will remember that No Way Home ended by erasing Peter Parker's existence from the world...but if Peter meets characters from another world (ahem, Jean), or if all our favorite heroes wind up in another world, the spell shouldn't affect them. And fighting to get back home is exactly the kind of theme I'd love to see in Spider-Man 4.

Check out the 5 New Marvel Movies Worth Watching for more!

Trader Joe’s carries much more than groceries – from skincare goodies to alcohol, you can find some pretty neat stuff between their aisles. You’re going to want to make a beeline to their home goods section ASAP though, because TJ’s just dropped a delightful $4 tomato-scented candle that’s being compared to bougie brands like Loewe and Maison Margiela!

Scroll on to discover more about Trader Joe’s new Tomato Leaf candle.

@traderjoesobsessed

On shelves now, Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle smells like – you guessed it – fragrant tomato leaves. Some shoppers have said it comes across as “verdant and fresh” while others say it’s “slightly sweeter.” So far, the aroma has been divisive among TJ’s fans, but smelling it myself, I think it smells exactly like tomato leaves with a hint of refreshing sweetness – making it a perfect scent to ease you into springtime!

Julia Nagy / PEXELS

This iteration of the Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is technically a remake of the same scent they released several years ago, but stopped stocking because the glass jars it was cased in posed a safety hazard (ahem, exploding). But fret not – this new container is made of metal, so you shouldn’t expect any glass malfunctions. Plus, it boasts the same precise scent – nothing’s changed in that department!

Reddit

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the new find with their Instagram followers, and plenty of customers sounded off with excitement.

“Omg yes this is the best one!!!!” one person said.

“This is their greatest candle to date imo,” another person wrote.

“I was actually talking about this a couple days ago with my boyfriend and then magically it appeared!!” someone else commented. “Glad it’s in a tin option even though the glass was beautiful!”

Agence Mald / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Reddit page also had some thoughts about the new scent:

“I love this friggin candle,” one person said. “It really took me by surprise.”

“I’m so excited!!” another rejoiced. “This is my all time favorite candle scent of any line ever!”

While some Trader Joe’s shoppers praised it, others had some strong opinions.

“Soapy with a hint of tomato,” someone else noted. “I personally really like it, but I like green, fresher-smelling candles. I hate bakery or sweet candle scents.”

“I love this candle and everyone I know hates it and I’m not allowed to light it when I have my friends over 😆😆,” another said. “It’s SO divisive!!”

Maison Margiela

Across both Instagram and Reddit, several shoppers compared the new Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle to brands that are so bougie. Some comparisons that were made include the Loewe Tomato Leaves candle, Maison Margiela's From The Garden perfume, and the Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle from Flamingo Estate. The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle costs just $4 for 5.3 ounces worth of candle, so you could absolutely get a similar luxe effect for way less.

Flamingo Estate

The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is crafted from a blend of soy wax, coconut oil, and beeswax. It also comes complete with a lead-free cotton wick to ensure a clean burn. Totally fresh and definitely unique, I’d say it’s worth the money – especially for a fresh feel during spring!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more Trader Joe's hidden gems!

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