Can You Microwave Lentils? (Reheating, Cooking + Other Common FAQs)

Lentils are popular across the globe for many reasons. Apart from being delicious, lentils are inexpensive and have a long shelf life even without refrigeration.

If you have stocks of lentils at home, you might be wondering if you can microwave lentils to reheat or cook lentils. I did some research, and here is what I found!

Can You Microwave Lentils?

Whether dried, cooked, canned, or split, lentils can be microwaved. Depending on the lentils’ format, the cooking time can range from thirty seconds to fifteen minutes. Nevertheless, you can reduce the cooking time by either pre-soaking the dried lentils or using split and canned lentils. Generally, all lentils can be cooked or reheated in the microwave using the same methods.

Are you interested to learn more about microwaving lentils? To discover more about how to microwave lentils and the different lentil dishes you can microwave, keep reading!

Can You Reheat Lentils In The Microwave?

You can safely reheat lentils in the microwave. Doing so takes only 1-2 minutes depending on the temperature and quantity of the lentils you are reheating.

To reheat the lentils, transfer the lentils to a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water and cover with a vented lid or a paper towel. Afterward, microwave the lentils on medium heat in thirty-second intervals, stirring in-between to promote even heating.

Can You Microwave Cooked Lentils?

Microwaving cooked lentils can be safe and efficient if you use the correct methods. However, cooked lentils are already tender, so avoid microwaving the lentils for too long.

Additionally, you will want to microwave the lentils with a splash of water to prevent the lentils from drying out.

Can You Cook Green Lentils In The Microwave?

Green lentils can be cooked in the microwave just like other types of lentils. Moreover, there are two methods of cooking green lentils that you can choose from.

If you are short on time, simply rinse the green lentils and transfer them to a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Add enough water to the dish so that the green lentils are submerged.

Afterward, microwave the green lentils for five minutes, and then stir. Repeat this process twice or thrice more as needed.

Another method is to pre-soak the green lentils for at least an hour. This will shorten the cooking time of the green lentils to around seven minutes when cooked on high heat.

Can You Microwave Undercooked Lentils?

You can microwave undercooked lentils so that the lentils can be safely eaten. Simply place the lentils in a microwave-safe dish with water and cover.

Depending on how undercooked the lentils are, microwaving can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Normally, using high heat can fully cook the lentils within minutes.

Can You Microwave Canned Lentils?

Canned lentils are pre-cooked, so when you microwave canned lentils, you are simply reheating the lentils. Moreover, there is nothing to suggest that doing so damages the lentils.

Additionally, using canned lentils makes microwaving more convenient. This is especially true when you are microwaving canned lentils with other ingredients.

Can You Microwave Dried Lentils?

Dried lentils can be microwaved safely as long as you submerge the dried lentils in water. However, there is no need to completely submerge pre-soaked lentils.

Presoaking is highly recommended, as this will allow the dried lentils to cook faster in the microwave. There is also a better chance that the dried lentils will be thoroughly cooked.

Can You Microwave Red Lentils?

Can You Microwave Red Lentils?

Just like green lentils, red lentils can be cooked and reheated in the microwave. If you want a shorter cooking time, choose split red lentils or canned whole lentils.

When neither is available or you prefer dried whole lentils, consider pre-soaking the red lentils for one hour or so before microwaving.

Can You Microwave Leftover Lentils?

You can microwave leftover lentils. However, you have to make sure that the lentils reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

At that temperature, most leftover foods are considered safe to consume. Additionally, you should only reheat leftover lentils that are stored properly in the fridge.

Can You Microwave Red Split Lentils?

Red split lentils can be microwaved. Red split lentils are easier to microwave than whole red lentils because the skin of red split lentils is already removed.

Additionally, you can microwave red split lentils alone or mixed with vegetables, proteins, and a wide variety of seasonings.

How Do You Cook Lentils In The Microwave?

How you should cook lentils in the microwave varies depending on the type of lentils you use and the recipe you are following. Generally, lentils can be cooked in the microwave by placing the lentils in a covered microwave-safe dish filled with water.

Can You Microwave Lentil Soup?

You can cook and reheat lentil soup in the microwave. For reheating, transfer the lentil soup to a lidded microwave-safe dish. Afterward, microwave in thirty-second intervals.

You must stir the lentil soup between each interval so that the lentil soup will heat evenly. Meanwhile, cooking lentil soup in the microwave depends largely on the recipe you are following.

Can You Microwave Lentil Soup With Coconut Milk?

Lentil soup with coconut milk can be prepared efficiently in the microwave. If you are just preparing the lentil soup, consider adding the coconut milk after microwaving the lentils.

However, if the lentils are already mixed with the coconut milk, make sure that you use short bursts on low or medium heat and that you stir the lentil soup between each burst.

Can You Microwave Lentil Curry?

Microwaving lentil curry is perfectly fine. Therefore, you should always cover the dish you will use to prevent the lentil curry from splattering and creating a mess in the microwave.

Have a look at our other articles to find out if you can microwave lettuce, if you can microwave Le Creuset, and if you can microwave KFC.

Conclusion

Lentils are easy to prepare in the microwave. Often, when you are using canned or split lentils, the cooking time does not take more than 5-7 minutes.

Meanwhile, dried lentils can take as much as fifteen minutes to cook in the microwave if not pre-soaked. As such, it is better to soak the lentils before microwaving.

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