Begin with dry lentils
NDSU Extension advises removing any small stones and rinsing the lentils. An overnight soak is not needed. This method is for dry lentils, rather than canned lentils or other kinds of dried pulses.
Bring to a simmer
For each cup of dry lentils, use two and a half cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender. The guide gives approximately 15–20 minutes. Check the water about every five minutes and add more if needed; the dryness of the lentils can vary.
Read alongside the recipe
Use the recipe’s own liquid quantities and cooking directions when making soup. This plain-lentil method is a separate reference, not an extra pot of water to add to the soup instructions. Note the lentil type, cooking time, and texture in your private note for the next time you cook.
KEEP THE FOOTNOTES
Sources & further reading
Garden-Robinson, J., NDSU Extension · 2022
November 2022 extension guide. Used for sorting, rinsing, water quantities and simmering lentils. Consulted October 17, 2026.
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