Can You Cook Lentils in a Rice Cooker?


Have you ever wondered if you can cook lentils in a rice cooker? You can! Cooking lentils in a rice cooker is very similar to cooking rice in one. Just like you have to pour rice into the bottom of the cooker, you have to put water at the bottom of the cooker to cook lentils properly. 

Let’s get started! I’ll walk you through each step, so that you’ll know exactly what to do, and your lentils will turn out perfectly every time.



What Are Lentils?

When it comes to legumes, there are many varieties to choose from. However, lentils are one of most easily digested. They’re rich in protein and fiber, which makes them a great alternative for those with food sensitivities or allergies. 

Because they don’t need to be soaked before cooking like other types of beans, lentils make an ideal ingredient for quick meals or side dishes! If you’re wondering if you can cook lentils in a rice cooker, keep reading! We break down how long to cook them and why they taste better that way anyway. Read on to find out more!


How do I cook them in my rice cooker?

Cooking lentils in your rice cooker couldn’t be easier, but you do need to make sure you use enough liquid. One cup of dry lentils needs three cups of water, so just follow these steps: Add dry lentils and cover with three cups of water. Add 1⁄4 teaspoon salt (optional). 

Close rice cooker lid and set to cook on regular setting for 30-40 minutes or until all water is absorbed by lentils. The amount of time will vary based on how hot your machine runs, so use it as an initial guideline and keep checking every 10 minutes or so until they’re done.


Tips for cooking lentils

Cooking lentils is as easy as boiling water. Here’s an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide: Rinse and drain your lentils, then place them in a pot with two cups of water for every cup of lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until soft (about 15 minutes). Add salt at any point during cooking if desired.


What are the health benefits of eating lentils?

In small amounts, lentils are very healthy for you. They are high in fiber and protein, and low in fat. A half-cup serving contains 18 grams of fiber, almost as much as an apple or orange. It also offers 5 grams of protein about 10 percent of your daily requirement along with 8 grams of carbohydrates (including 2 grams of sugar). 

Some studies have shown that eating beans can help lower your cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar. Beans can also help make you feel full faster and longer, reducing overall calorie intake for the day.


Tips on Cooking with Lentils

Cooking lentils is similar to cooking dried beans it can be a little bit time-consuming and you have to pay close attention. The key is to add enough water so that your lentils are submerged, but not too much so that they get soft. 

Once your water reaches boiling point, cook for about 20 minutes until tender, then drain if necessary. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more healthy proteins into your diet, make sure you try out cooking with lentils!


Conclusion

It turns out that you can use a rice cooker to cook lentils, but it’s not optimal for cooking small or varied batches. A slow cooker is your best bet if you want to cook small quantities of lentils regularly and at only $30 it’s cheaper than an electric pressure cooker. If you want more control over your meal and don’t mind waiting 15 minutes, use your stovetop.