Lentil to Water Ratio

Want to cook green or brown lentils without a recipe? All you need is this lentil-to-water ratio that works every time.

Wondering how to make lentils without a recipe? All you need is a lentil-to-water ratio that works every time. This ratio is for brown and green lentils only (red and yellow lentils cook differently — they become mushier and are mainly used for stews). Here’s the ratio to use:

Brown and Green Lentil-to-Water Ratio

The ratio to use is: 1 part lentils to 3 parts water

That means if you’re planning to cook 1 cup of lentils, you’ll combine it with 3 cups of water in a pot. Simple as that! Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Do you have to boil the water first? No! Place the lentils and water in a pot together and bring to a high simmer, then simmer.
• How long do you cook brown and green lentils? 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid.
• Can I make lentils with broth instead of water? Yes! Cooking with broth brings in extra flavor.

Want a recipe? Scroll down to our full recipe below!

Types of lentils and how to cook them

This lentil-to-water ratio works for cooking brown and green lentils, but cooking yellow and red lentils is slightly different. Here’s a breakdown of the various types of lentils and some recipes to try with each:

• Brown & green lentils: These are the most “standard” varieties when you think of lentils, and they cook quickly. Try them in: Seasoned Brown Lentils, Quick Lentil Curry, Hearty Lentil Stew, or Lentil Tacos.
• Red lentils: These bright orange colored lentils take about 20 minutes to cook and break down easily into a “mush”. Try them in: Masoor Dal or Red Lentil Soup
• French lentils (Puy lentils): These are small and greenish-gray in color, and hold their shape when cooked. Try them: Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils or Rice & Lentil Salad.
• Black lentils (Beluga lentils): Black lentils are small and dark, like a combo of French and brown lentils. Try them in: Seasoned Black Lentils, Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese & Lentils, Marinated Lentils, or Dal Makhani

Need more motivation to eat lentils? Here are all the Benefits of Lentils.

Serving sizes

Wondering how many cups of lentils to cook? It’s all in the math. Here are a few handy formulas to remember:

• How much does 1 cup of dry lentils make? 1 cup dry lentils = about 2 ½ cups cooked lentils. Lentils increase in volume about 2 ½ times when cooked.
• How much is 1 serving of lentils? Plan for about 1 to 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils per serving.
• How many cups of dry lentils do I need for 4 cups cooked? Since lentils increase 2 ½ times when cooked, divide the cooked volume by 2 1/2. 1 ½ cups dry lentils = About 4 cups cooked lentils

Got a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

You can make lentils in an Instant Pot, too! Keep in mind that doing it this way requires a different lentil-to-water ratio. Here’s our recipe for Instant Pot Lentils!

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