First, get a bowl. Any bowl. A mixing bowl, a cereal bowl, or even a clean cat dish if you’re feeling rebellious. Do not use a colander—that’s for draining, not soaking, and you’ll end up with wet lentils on your counter, weeping. Pour in your dry lentils. One cup is enough for a family or a very ambitious solo eater. Then, rinse them under cool water until the water runs clear-ish. You’ll see some dirt and dust wash away. It’s not gross—it’s nature’s confetti.
Now, add three cups of water for every one cup of lentils. Yes, triple. Lentils are thirsty little sponges. They’ll absorb that water like a teenager absorbs soda at a sleepover. If you skimp, they’ll stay dry in the middle and mock you during cooking. Don’t let them win.
