Veg Recipes Mason Williams April 6, 2025 0 Comments

How to Cook Lentils in Microwave

Let me start with a little story. A few years ago, I moved into a new apartment in a bustling city, excited for my fresh start. The kitchen? Tiny. The oven? Broken. The stove? Temperamental. The only dependable thing was a compact microwave that hummed like a loyal friend. That’s when I learned how to cook lentils in a microwave—and honestly, it saved me.

Lentils are magical. They’re packed with protein, fiber-rich, and versatile enough to sneak into everything from curries to salads. But the idea of cooking lentils in a microwave might sound strange to some. I get it. We usually picture bubbling pots on stoves, not microwaves quietly doing the heavy lifting. Yet, if you’re short on time, space, or just can’t stand the idea of scrubbing another pot, this method is a game-changer.

Table of Contents

Why Use a Microwave for Lentils?

First, let’s bust a myth: microwaves aren’t just for reheating leftovers or popping corn. When used right, they’re efficient, fast, and surprisingly effective for cooking legumes like lentils. Here’s why this method makes sense:

Speed: Red lentils can be ready in under 15 minutes.
Minimal cleanup: One bowl, one spoon, and done.
Energy efficient: Especially useful for those living in small apartments or dorms.

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the actual process.

Choosing the Right Lentils

Not all lentils are the same. Some cook faster; others need a bit more love.

Red Lentils (Masoor dal): Cook quickly, become soft and slightly mushy. Great for soups and dals.
Green Lentils: Take longer but hold their shape. Ideal for salads.
Brown Lentils: Common in many kitchens, a middle ground between red and green.
Yellow Lentils (Toor or Moong dal): Mild in flavor and also microwave-friendly.

Prepping Lentils for Microwave Cooking

Okay, before you toss lentils into a bowl and hit ‘Start,’ you need to prep.

Rinse Thoroughly: Lentils come with dust and small stones. Put them in a sieve, run cold water, and rinse until the water runs clear.
Soaking (Optional): If you’re cooking brown or green lentils, a 30-minute soak helps reduce cook time and improves texture.
Choose the Right Container: Use a microwave-safe, deep bowl. Lentils bubble up while cooking, so leave room for expansion.

Microwave Lentil Cooking Method (Basic)

Here’s a simple way to cook one cup of lentils:

Ingredients:

1 cup of rinsed lentils
2.5 to 3 cups water (depending on the type)
Salt (optional, add later to avoid tough skins)

Steps:

Add lentils and water to your bowl.
Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Don’t seal it tight—steam needs to escape.
Microwave on High for 10 minutes.
Stir and check texture. Continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until they’re cooked to your liking.
Drain excess water if needed and season.

Pro Tip: Red lentils cook in 10-12 minutes, while green and brown may take up to 20 minutes. Every microwave is different, so check midway.

Flavor Boost: Add-Ins and Seasoning

You can go plain, but if you want to jazz things up:

Drop a garlic clove or bay leaf into the bowl while cooking.
Add turmeric and cumin for Indian-style flavor.
Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped parsley post-cooking for a Mediterranean twist.

I love adding a teaspoon of ghee and a pinch of hing (asafoetida). It reminds me of my grandmother’s dal back home in Gujarat.

Quick Recipes Using Microwave-Cooked Lentils

1. Lentil Salad Bowl

Toss cooked green lentils with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add feta or avocado for creaminess.

2. Spiced Lentil Soup

Use red lentils. Add a spoonful of curry powder, a handful of chopped spinach, and microwave again for 2 minutes. Blend for a smooth soup.

3. Lentil Wrap Filling

Mash brown lentils with cumin, chili flakes, and a splash of lemon. Spread on a tortilla with veggies and roll up.

These meals are high-protein, budget-friendly, and need barely any cooking gear.

Cleaning Up After Cooking Lentils in the Microwave

Microwave cooking is neat, but those spills? Ugh.

Prevent Boil-Overs:

Use a larger bowl than you think you need.
Don’t overfill with water.
Stir midway to release trapped heat.

If things get messy, wipe the microwave with a sponge dipped in warm water and baking soda. Or microwave a cup of water with lemon slices for 2 minutes to loosen any grime.

Final Thoughts

Cooking lentils in a microwave isn’t just a lazy hack—it’s a smart, sustainable, and practical solution for modern living. Whether you’re a college student with a shared kitchen or a working professional juggling Zoom calls and dinner plans, this method fits right in.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how little tricks like this make healthy eating feel effortless. The microwave, once dismissed as a one-trick pony, is now a staple in my cooking routine. Lentils? Always stocked in my pantry. And together, they’re a match made in time-saving heaven.

So next time you wonder how to cook lentils in microwave, just grab a bowl and give it a go. You might end up surprising yourself.