Snacks

September 22, 2020

Crispy Lentils: Three Ways & How to Cook Them

crispy lentils

I've been loving lentils for a long time! And I usually find that people either love them or hate them. It's kind of become my personal mission to change those lentil haters into lovers. One way to do that is to use the correct lentil for the job, and it doesn't hurt to make them crispy. Beyond that, you'll learn why certain lentils are better than others at getting them crispy. Let's make some crispy lentils!

crispy lentils

All About Lentils?

Lentils are part of the legume family, just like beans. But, unlike beans which take a lot longer to cook (and require soaking), lentils are wayyyy easier. You don't need to soak them, and they cook in about 25 minutes or less. I think the reason that a lot of people say they don't like lentils is because they weren't using the right one for the job. Depending on what it is you're cooking and the texture you're after, the lentil you use will vary.

Check out some of my other lentil dishes like this Instant Pot sausage, kale and lentil soup, or this French Lentil and Kale Salad with Spiced Almonds. Or try this farro and lentil risotto for a high fibre risotto option with lots of mushrooms.

crispy lentils

Different Types of Lentils

Brown and Green Lentils

Use these when you're wanting to make a soup or stew. They split and fall apart after cooking and so they work best when you want a softer texture. These are typically the most commonly used lentils and the ones you find in stores the most.

Red Lentils

These lentils are most commonly used in Indian curry recipes, such as daal. They turn soft as well and you can cook them in about 20 minutes. I love using red lentils when I make soups and also in dips (instead of chickpeas). Lentil hummus anyone?!

French Lentils (Lentilles du Puy)

My personal favourite lentil. These lentils are much firmer, as they hold their shape due to the thicker skin on them. Because they retain their shape, they have a more crunchy texture and are fantastic for salads. They do take a little longer to cook, usually about 25 minutes.

Black Beluga Lentils

Just like the French lentil, these also hold up and retain their shape amazingly well. This makes them ideal for salads as well. They can be harder to find, but if you do, I highly suggest picking some up.

Which Lentils are the best For Making Crispy Lentils?

In order to make crispy lentils, you want to use ones that won't turn soft. So for that reason, be sure to use either French lentils or black beluga lentils. Both of these are much sturdier and will cook and still hold their shape. Winner, winner, crispy lentils for dinner!

How to Cook Lentils on the Stove?

Cooking lentils on the stove is quite easy! Just follow the steps below to ensure perfectly cooked lentils each and every time.

Rinse your Lentils

Just like any other grain or bean, you'll want to give your lentils a rinse in water first. While you're rinsing them give them a quick look over to see if you need to pick out any shrivelled lentils, or anything that doesn't quite look right. Apparently, you can find little tiny stones in your packaged lentils! I've been eating lentils for a LONG time, and I've personally never encountered this. But it's good practice to pick them over, especially depending on where the lentils are sourced.

Once they're rinsed, go ahead and add them to a pot of salted boiling water.

lentils in a pot of water

How Much Water Do you Use to Cook Lentils?

In a medium sized pot of water add a pinch of kosher salt and the rinsed lentils. I always recommend putting a timer on for 20 minutes so you don't forget about them.

Once the lentils are boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes (depending on the type of lentil you're using). For the French lentils used in these crispy lentils, cook them for about 23 to 25 minutes. Check on them to see if they're done cooking. Depending on how old the lentils are, they can take a bit longer to cook. You want them to still be firm on the outside.

cooked lentils in a pot

How to Make Crispy Lentils?

Once your French lentils are done cooking, you're ready to make some crispy lentils. Let's get to it!

Once the lentils have finished cooking, drain the lentils through a sieve to remove any water.

lentils in a sieve

Arrange some paper towels on a plate and add the lentils on top. Gently use another paper towel on top to blot and remove as much water as possible. Be careful not to be too rough, otherwise they can break apart. You want to be sure to get the lentils as dry as possible. This will help to ensure the lentils can get crispy.

lentils on a plate with paper towel drying

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. And preheat your oven.

In a medium sized bowl, add the lentils along with some extra virgin olive oil and the spices of your choice. I've included three different spice blend variations for you to choose from! I've come up with a spicy chili, Mediterranean and a simple sea salt version.

spice blends

Mix to combine with a spoon. Spread them out on the parchment lined pan.

lentils with spices in a bowl

Place them in the oven to bake for about 12 to 13 minutes, then remove. Give them a flip, and return them to the oven to cook for about 12 to 14 minutes longer.

lentils on a baking sheet

How to Use Them

You can use crispy lentils in SO many ways, which is exactly why I love making them! This is also why I'm sharing three different flavor variations too. Depending on what you want to use them for you can choose which flavour is best.

Here are some of the ways I like using crispy lentils:

  • As a salad topper: crispy lentils have crunch, fibre and protein making them so easy to add to salads.
  • On top of buddha bowls: move over crispy chickpeas, top your buddha bowl with crispy lentils, just like I did with this vegan buddha bowl.
  • As a snack: they're good just on their own as a snack.
  • With a fried or poached egg: I love serving these crispy lentils with a poached or fried egg and some greens. It makes the easiest dinner ever!
crispy lentils

How to Store Your Crispy Lentils

Crispy lentils will last quite a while in your fridge in a sealed container. You can also store them in a sealed container in your pantry too.

I keep mine in the fridge to ensure they stay fresh, and they should last in there for about one month or so. This is why they're so great to make ahead of time and to make a big batch because they last so long.

crispy lentils

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Crispy Lentils: Three Ways & How to Cook Them

Packed with flavor, protein and crunch, these crispy lentils are the perfect topper to your next meal. Check out three variations to try!

Prep:
10
min
cook:
45
min
total:
55
min
servings:
8
Author:

Jaclyn

Ingredients


For the Spicy Chili Crispy Lentils

For the Mediterranean Crispy Lentils

For the Sea Salt Crispy Lentils

Instructions


  1. In a medium sized pot over medium-high heat, add the water, drained lentils and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the lentils are gently simmering. Set a timer for 20 minutes and check for doneness at that point. You want the lentils to still be firm, but cooked through. This can take about 20 to 25 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375ºF (191ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Drain the lentils through a sieve. Line a plate with paper towels. Add the cooked lentils on top. Place another paper towel on top and pat dry to remove as much water as possible. Do so gently so the lentils don't get too soft. Get as much water as possible removed, you want the lentils to be dry, otherwise they won't get as crispy.
  4. Depending on which flavours you're making, add the lentils to a bowl. Toss with 1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil and the spices.
  5. Add the spiced lentils to the baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove, toss them around, place back in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes more, until crispy. Store in glass jars until ready to use. Enjoy!

Notes

For this recipe, I made 1 cup of dry lentils and divided it into three different flavours and tossed each batch with about 1 1/2 tsp oil and then the spices.

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Susan Renee Hennings
January 12, 2022
Yes, I like it a lot. Lentils are nutritious and inexpensive.