Beans & Legumes • Lentils
Red Lentils
Cooks in 15 minutes for soups and curries, making it your go-to weeknight protein.
What it is
Split lentil
How to cook
Simmer 15 minutes
Storage & freshness
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.
| As purchased | 6-12 monthsin original bag |
| Sealed (pantry) | 2-3 yearsif kept airtight |
| Refrigerated | 3-4 yearsif kept airtight |
| Frozen | 4-5 yearsif kept airtight |
Durations are for best quality. Safe to consume longer if no spoilage signs present.
Signs of spoilage
musty odorinsect activitymolddiscolorationrancid smellCooking at Baker City elevation
At Baker City elevation (~3,400 ft), red lentils need 18–22 minutes instead of 15. They break down quickly into a smooth purée — pull them at 16 minutes if you want any structure left.
Quick facts
Category
Beans & Legumes
Subcategory
Lentils
Serving size
1/4 cup dry (45g)
Prep required
Yes
Soaking required
No
Cook time
15 minutes
Cooking method
simmer
Cooked texture
soft
Form
dried, split
Processing
Minimally Processed
Cuisine
Mediterranean, South Asian, Middle Eastern, African
Role
Staple, Protein Source
Dispenser
Gravity Bin
Pairs well with
Glycemic index
32Low (≤55)
Nutrition snapshot
Protein
23.6 g
Fat
1.9 g
Carbohydrates
62.2 g
Basis: per 100 g · USDA FoodData Central · Match confidence: Medium