Buying Lentils: A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Variety

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my mission is to provide you with clear, factual information so you can make informed purchasing decisions. The variety of lentils can seem overwhelming at first glance. This guide is designed to help you find the perfect type for your kitchen, whether for a hearty stew, a quick curry, or a light salad.

What to Look for When Buying Lentils

Choosing a type of lentil largely depends on your planned dish and personal preferences. Three criteria can make your selection easier.

1. The Right Type for Your Dish

Lentils differ mainly in their cooking properties. They can be roughly divided into two categories: soft-cooking and firm-cooking varieties.

• Soft-cooking lentils: These varieties, such as red lentils, break down during cooking to create a thick, creamy consistency. This makes them excellent for preparing soups, purées, Indian dal, or as a binder in vegan patties.
• Firm-cooking lentils: Varieties like brown lentils or Beluga lentils retain their shape and bite even after cooking. This makes them the ideal ingredient for salads, side dishes, or a classic lentil stew where the lentils should remain distinct.

2. Cooking Time and Preparation

Preparation time is another important factor. Dried lentils require different cooking times.

• Red and yellow lentils are typically hulled and therefore cook in just 10–15 minutes without any prior soaking.
• Larger varieties like brown lentils have a longer cooking time of about 45–60 minutes. This can be reduced to about 10–20 minutes by soaking them overnight.
• Beluga lentils or mountain lentils are also firm-cooking and need about 20–30 minutes, but they hold their shape well.

A general tip: Salt or acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice should only be added after cooking, as they can slow down the cooking process and cause the lentils to remain hard.

3. Focus on Nutrition: Protein-Rich Lentils as a Foundation

Lentils are known for their high nutritional value. They are an excellent plant-based source of protein and fibre, and are low in fat. If you are specifically looking for protein-rich lentils, it's worth checking the nutritional information. Red lentils often have a particularly high protein content, but other varieties are also a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Our Recommended Lentil Selections

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have put together a selection of versatile lentils.

Müller’s Mühle Brown Lentils 500g

What makes them special Brown lentils are a classic in German cuisine. With a diameter of 6–7 mm and a nutty flavour, they form the basis for traditional stews and hearty soups. Their firm-cooking property ensures they also hold their own in salads, retaining a pleasant bite.

Advantages

• Consistency: Remains shape-stable and firm to the bite after cooking.
• Nutritional Value: High in protein (9.2 g per 100 g) and fibre (6.0 g per 100 g).
• Versatility: Suitable for stews, soups, and salads.
• Preparation: Cooking time of approx. 45 minutes, reducible to 10 minutes with soaking.

Who they're for These lentils are a great choice for fans of traditional, hearty cuisine who want to prepare an authentic lentil stew. They are also suitable for anyone looking to stock their pantry with a nutritious supply of dried lentils.

Müller's Mühle Red Lentils 500g

What makes them special These hulled red lentils are known for their extremely short cooking time and do not need to be soaked. They break down into a creamy mass when cooked, making them the ideal base for Middle Eastern dishes like dal, as well as thick soups and purées. Their flavour is mild and slightly nutty.

Advantages

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 5–10 minutes, no soaking required.
• High Protein Content: With 23.0 g of protein per 100 g, this is a very protein-rich variety.
• Texture: Creates a soft, creamy consistency.
• Use: Perfect for dals, soups, purées, and spreads.

Who they're for Ideal for cooks who prefer quick, nutritious, and straightforward dishes. Especially suitable for preparing vegan and vegetarian meals that require a creamy base.

Müller's Mühle Black Beluga Lentils 500g

What makes them specialBeluga lentils get their name from their resemblance to Beluga caviar. These small, black lentils are firm-cooking and have a delicate, nutty flavour. They retain their shape and colour during cooking, making them a visually appealing ingredient in salads, bowls, and as a side dish.

Advantages

• Appearance: Elegant black colour that is retained after cooking.
• Firm Consistency: They don't fall apart, making them excellent for salads.
• Good Nutritional Value: A solid source of plant-based protein (11 g per 100 g).
• Cooking Time: Ready in approx. 20–30 minutes.

Who they're for For home cooks who appreciate special aesthetics and want to add a sophisticated touch to their dishes. They are an excellent choice for modern, healthy salads and as a high-quality side dish.

Looking for More Options?

The world of pulses is diverse. If your preferred variety isn't listed here, or if you want to discover more products from quality brands like Müller's Mühle Lentils, you can find a wider selection of grains and pulses for your pantry in our Food Mills category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lentils

Do you have to soak lentils before cooking?

Soaking is not necessary for all types of lentils. Hulled varieties like red or yellow lentils do not require soaking. For unhulled, larger varieties like brown lentils, soaking (e.g., overnight) can significantly shorten the cooking time and improve digestibility.

How do you store dried lentils correctly?

Dried lentils should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. After opening the package, it is advisable to transfer them to an airtight container. This protects them from moisture and pests, and they will maintain their quality for many months.

Which lentils are particularly high in protein?

In general, all lentils are a good source of protein. The exact content can vary by variety. Hulled red lentils often have one of the highest protein contents (frequently over 20 g per 100 g in their dry state), making them an excellent choice for a protein-conscious diet. However, it is always recommended to check the nutritional information on the specific product packaging.

Your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer