I remember the first time I tried cooking lentils in the microwave. It was a weekday evening, and I was craving something warm and nutritious for dinner. I had a bag of lentils sitting in my pantry, but didn’t have the time or energy to cook them on the stovetop. That’s when I decided to give the microwave a try. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a quick and easy way to cook lentils, and now it has become my go-to method. In this article, I will share my step-by-step guide on how to cook lentils in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of lentils
- 2 cups of water
- Salt (to taste)
- Any additional seasonings or spices of your choice
Tools:
- A microwave-safe bowl with a lid
- A microwave
- A strainer
- A fork
Rinse the Lentils
The first step in cooking lentils is to rinse them thoroughly. This helps remove any dirt or debris that might be present. Place the lentils in a strainer and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. This should only take a minute or two.
Boil the Lentils
Once the lentils are rinsed, transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cups of water to the bowl and season with salt and any other desired seasonings. Give it a quick stir to incorporate the seasoning.
Cover the bowl with a lid, leaving a small vent for the steam to escape. This prevents any mess from the lentils boiling over.
Place the bowl in the microwave and set it to high power. Cook the lentils for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot.
Check the Lentils for Doneness
Using a fork, gently stir the lentils to check their doneness. The lentils should be tender, but not mushy. If they are not cooked to your desired level, place the lid back on the bowl and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Drain the Lentils
Once the lentils are cooked to perfection, it’s time to drain them. Carefully pour the lentils into a strainer to remove the excess water. Be cautious as the lentils and bowl will still be hot. Give the lentils a shake to remove any remaining water.
Serve and Enjoy
Now that your lentils are cooked and drained, they are ready to be served. You can enjoy them as a side dish, add them to salads, or use them as a base for a variety of recipes. The possibilities are endless!
Microwaving lentils is not only simple and convenient but also a great time-saver. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring on the stovetop, allowing you to attend to other tasks. Plus, the lentils cook evenly and retain their shape and texture.
So, the next time you’re in a hurry or want to minimize your kitchen cleanup, give cooking lentils in the microwave a try. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time.