How Do Restaurants Cook Black Lentils?

black lentils on a black plate



Well, hello there! Today we'll be talking about how to cook black lentils to perfection, just like the ones you get at those lovely restaurants. Now, it seems that some people have a bit of trouble getting those lentils just right. Don't worry, my dear, we'll get you sorted out in no time!

First, let's talk about the lentils themselves. You want to make sure that you're using the right kind of lentils for the job. Now, black beluga lentils are what you want here, not the Indian urad dal. You see, the urad dal will turn grey and break apart when cooking, which is not what we're going for.

Next, we need to talk about technique. It seems that some people overcook their lentils, which can cause them to turn grey and become mushy. We don't want that, do we? No, no, no. What we're looking for here is for those lentils to hold their shape and maintain a bit of bite.

Now, some folks suggest soaking the lentils, and while that's not a bad idea, it's not strictly necessary. Instead, what you want to do is rinse your lentils and then add them to a pot with plenty of water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the lentils until they're just tender, which should take somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes.

And there you have it, my dear! With the right kind of lentils and a gentle touch, you too can achieve those perfect little black beads that we all love so much. Happy cooking!

Black Lentil Recipes

You can find recipes for black lentils here! Enjoy!

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