Is it possible to cook lentils without soaking? It depends on the type of legumes you have purchased
Soups, broths, meatballs, salads, creams, first courses… Le lentils are a very versatile ingredient, economic and full of excellent property for health. In particular, it is the amounts of protein and iron that make them perfect meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Canned legumes, already pre-cooked, certainly represent an easy solution to bring the meal to the table quickly, but if you have chosen the lentils dry you will find yourself faced with the following question: can I cook them without soaking?
In general, lentils need to be softened in water for a period of time that can range from a minimum of two hours up to a whole night, in the case of larger varieties.
However, there are some types of lentils that do not require such a long soak or that can even avoid it altogether. This is the case of the peeled lentils, or those without peel.
Cooking lentils without soaking: which ones to choose?
Among the best dry lentils to cook without soaking there are first of all those Umbrian, like those of Castelluccio you hate Colfiorito, small in size and with a tender and thin skin that reduces cooking times.
Similar are the tiny lentils of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, very rare Abruzzo variety.
Even the red lentils, known as "Egyptian lentils" and mainly spread without peel, they are perfect for quick and practical cooking, without soaking times.
How to cook lentils without soaking
If you want to prepare stewed lentils without soaking, it is still important clean them properly before cooking, washing them in cold running water.
Once this operation is complete, you just have to cook them in a pot, adding enough water to just cover them. According to your taste, you can flavor with a clove of garlic, sautéed celery, carrot and onion, tomato or bacon.
As regards the herbs and the spices there is an embarrassment of choice: the best combinations are those with rosemary, bay leaf, sage, chilli, turmeric, paprika or curry.
The lentils should cook with the lid on for about 40 minutes, depending on the size and directions on the package.
You just have to choose the recipe that's right for you: below you will find our tastiest ideas!
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