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Speed Comparison

Fastest Way to Cook Lentils

Every method ranked by speed — from quickest to slowest, with trade-offs.

Quick Answer

The fastest way to cook lentils is to instant pot it — about 8 min. The slowest is stovetop (french/du puy) at 25–30 min.

Methods by Speed

8–10 min + 10 min release
1:2.5 water ratio. Don't overfill — they foam.
12–15 min
1:2.5 water ratio. They'll break down — that's the point.
1:3 water ratio. Tender but not mushy.
1:3 water ratio. Hold shape perfectly for salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to cook lentils?
The fastest way to cook lentils is to instant pot it — about 8 min. The slowest is stovetop (french/du puy) at 25–30 min.
How long does the fastest method take for lentils?
Instant Pot: 8–10 min + 10 min release at High pressure. 1:2.5 water ratio. Don't overfill — they foam.
Is there a trade-off between speed and quality for lentils?
Faster methods like instant pot give quick results, while slower methods like stovetop (french/du puy) (25–30 min) often develop deeper flavor and more tender texture. Choose based on your time and the result you want.
View full Lentils cooking guide →