lentils

[babyOcho]

The recipe (lentil croquettes) that I have says cook the lentils as per the packet.

The packet says "cooking instructions: add to soup, stews or casseroles during cooking."

They are dry, what do I do with them?

anyone?
i really dont know what to do with them.

Red lentils?
Cook them in slightly more than twice their volume of water - bring to a simmer for about 10 mins, but watch out, they are devils for boiling over. Stir to make sure that they all get into the water to absorb it and be cooked (as the lentils at the bottom absorb the water and expand, the ones at the top can end up above water...
You will also need to make sure that they don't dry out and stick/burn at the bottom.
This makes them sound hare - they are not, they just need a wary eye out kept.
If they end up too wet, you can stir them over a low heat until they lentil mush (red lentils break down very easily) dries out enough.
Green lentils and puy lentils don't break down into mush so easily, so you can use more water and drain them at the end - they also take a little longer to cook.
Salt best not added until the end.

Sorry for typos
Hard not hare
the not they
HTH

thanks Donk, that really helps.

Hi - wholeheartedly agree with DOnk - all good advice. I would just add that you need to cook all lentils thoroughly. They can make you a bit windy if not cooked through. So after cooking at a boil for 10 minutes, reduce the heat and let them simmer for another 30 minutes.

I always cook all lentils for at least 40 mins (puy, green and red). Many recipes suggest cooking for less time, but don't.