How to Cook Lentils in a Rice Cooker Easily
Learn how to cook lentils in a rice cooker effortlessly! Get perfect, tender lentils every time with this simple, hands-off method—ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
- ✔ 1 cup lentils red, brown, or green
- ✔ 3 cups water or vegetable broth adjust based on lentil type
- ✔ 1 tsp salt add after cooking
Optional Add-Ins for Flavor:
- ✔ 1 garlic clove minced
- ✔ ½ onion diced
- ✔ 1 bay leaf remove after cooking
- ✔ ½ tsp cumin or turmeric for warmth
- ✔ 1 tbsp olive oil for richness
Instructions
Rinse & Prep Lentils
- Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Drain well before adding to the rice cooker.
Add Ingredients to Rice Cooker
- Pour lentils into the rice cooker pot.
- Add 3 cups of water or broth.
- Stir in any seasonings or aromatics (except salt—add it later!).
Select the Right Rice Cooker Setting
- Red & Yellow Lentils → White rice setting (~15–20 minutes).
- Brown & Green Lentils → Brown rice setting (~25–35 minutes).
- If lentils aren’t fully cooked, add ¼ cup more water and cook for 5 extra minutes.
Let Lentils Rest & Season
- Once the rice cooker automatically switches to "keep warm", let lentils sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir, remove bay leaf, and season with salt, pepper, or extra spices.
Serve or Store for Meal Prep
- Serve warm as a side dish, in salads, soups, or grain bowls.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg (varies based on seasonings)