Cooking lentils in a rice cooker couldn’t be easier! Rice cooker meals are my favorite, and these lentils are a staple in my weekly rotation. This hands-off method works for most varieties of lentils, requiring minimal effort while delivering perfect results every time. It's a low-maintenance way to prepare lentils for meal prep, soups, salads, and hearty bowls.
Table of contents
Lentil Varieties
Only brown, black, and green lentils are recommended for cooking in a rice cooker, as they are whole lentils and require more time to cook.
Brown Lentils – The most common variety of lentils, sometimes called "Spanish Pardina" lentils. They are high in protein, have a nutty flavor, and are tan/brown in color. These lentils do not require soaking before cooking.
Black Lentils – Also called beluga lentils because they resemble beluga caviar. These small but mighty lentils are rich in protein and fiber. They have a small, black, lens-like shape and an earthy flavor.
Green Lentils – Similar to brown lentils, they are also known as green French lentils or lentilles du Puy. These green-colored legumes take longer to cook but hold their shape well. Their flavor profile is described as robust and slightly peppery.
Red or yellow lentils are considered split lentils, as they are processed into smaller pieces. They cook quickly, usually in about 15–20 minutes, and develop a soft, mushy texture, making them ideal for soups and stews. These types of lentils are not recommended for the rice cooker method, as they do not require a long cooking process.
Equipment
Rice Cooker – I use a Cuckoo six-cup model, which is perfect for our family of four and can cook enough rice for large gatherings. It cooks up to 12 cups of rice and offers multi-settings for different options of cooking brown rice, porridge, multi-grains and more.
If you have a single-function rice cooker with just a cook and heat button, this recipe will work too! I’ve tested this method on a one-function Tayama rice cooker, and it works great.
Lentils to water ratio
A 1:2 ratio (lentils to liquid) is ideal for the rice cooker method. This provides enough liquid to cover the lentils and cook them thoroughly. There may be a small amount of liquid remaining after cooking, which can be strained.
How to Make Rice Cooker Lentils
Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer or rinse them in the rice cooker pot, removing any debris or dirt. Drain well.
Add the lentils and water to the rice cooker pot. (Optional: Add seasonings such as salt and herbs for extra flavor.)
Press the "Cook" button on your rice cooker and set the timer for 30 minutes.
Once done, drain any excess water and serve.
Rice Cooker Lentil Cooking Times
Brown Lentils: 20–30 minutes
Black Lentils: 25–30 minutes
Green Lentils: 30–35 minutes (For a firmer texture, cook for 30 minutes.)
Cooking times may vary depending on your rice cooker. If the lentils are not cooked to your liking, simply add more cooking time until they reach the desired texture.
Optional Lentil flavorings
Broth substitutes - For a more savory flavor, replace water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth when cooking lentils in the rice cooker. If you don’t have broth on hand, add chicken or beef bouillon cubes in the water as an easy alternative.
Aromatics and extras - Add chopped onions, garlic and butter during the cooking process for extra flavor, similar to this rice cooker butter garlic rice recipe.
Dressing: When done cooking, toss lentils with olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and fresh herbs for a bright, fresh taste.
My Favorite Ways to Use Lentils
Add them to salads for a protein-packed boost.
Stir them into soup for added texture and nutrition.
Cook them with rice and aromatics for a flavorful and protein packed meal.
Storing lentils
Cooked lentils can be frozen for up to three months or refrigerated for up to one week.
Be sure to store them in airtight containers or plastic bags to maintain freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking. However, soaking them for a few hours can help improve digestion and enhance mineral absorption.
Lentils are done when they are soft and easy to eat. Some varieties, like green lentils, retain a slight bite but can be cooked longer for a softer texture.
No, not all the water will be absorbed during cooking. It’s perfectly fine to drain any excess water once the lentils are fully cooked.
More Rice Cooker Recipes
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How to Cook Lentils in a Rice Cooker
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils Brown, Green or black lentils
- 2 cup water Or replace water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. If you don’t have broth on hand, add chicken or beef bouillon cubes in the water as an easy alternative.
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer, removing any debris or dirt. Drain well.
- Add the lentils and water to the rice cooker pot. (Optional: Add seasonings such as salt and herbs for extra flavor.)
- Press the "Cook" button on your rice cooker and set the timer for 30 minutes. For specific cooking times based on different lentil varieties, refer to the suggested cooking times below.
- Once done, drain any excess water and serve.
Notes
- Brown Lentils: 20–30 minutes
- Black Lentils: 25–30 minutes
- Green Lentils: 30–35 minutes (For a firmer texture, cook for 30 minutes.)
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