Brown lentils

These range in colour from khaki-brown to dark black, and are the most common variety available in grocery stores. Brown lentils cook in about 35–45 minutes and retain their shape very well. They take longer to cook than red lentils. You can test them by tasting – they are ready when they become completely soft. They are good for adding to warm salads, casseroles and stuffings. Alternatively, they can be cooked and blended with herbs or spices to make a nutritious pâté.