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Everything I have read says that you do not need to soak lentils like you would beans. Unfortunately the last several times I have cooked lentils they have seemed a little chalky.

Should I be soaking my lentils before I cook them?

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Have you tried rinsing your lentils before cooking? I don't know if that would help, but I have certainly read recipes that recommend it. – Martha F. Mar 25 '11 at 15:35

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up vote 3 down vote accepted

No, it's not necessary. You can do it, and if you'd soak them for about an hour, the cooking time will diminish strongly (half).

I'm not sure if this would affect the chalky taste. Which kind of lentils do you use?

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I agree, we need to know what sort of lentils they are – nixy Mar 25 '11 at 10:13

I would suggest that you try getting puy lentils. They are a French green lentil that have a great taste and texture like a bean . You do have to soak them and they will increase in size .They don't turn to mush like the split pea lentil.

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