How to Cook Generic Lentils in an IP for a Creamy Texture Instead of Grainy

[mkher]

I am asking those of you who routinely cook lentils in the IP to help with cooking lentils; all I have in my grocery stores are packages that just say "lentils." Nothing about what kind. The recipes I see specify what kind of lentils to use. I don't like grainy cooked lentils, and that is all I have been able to accomplish cooking these generic lentils. I have bought cooked lentils in pouches that are supremely creamy and not grainy. Is there a way to cook my generic lentils in the IP so that they are creamy and not grainy? Or would I have to order them (which I am not likely to do)? I have tried using my immersion blender on the cooked lentils, but it did not make mine un-grainy.

 

[phanzu]

I’ve not cooked then myself. But do you have a co-op (think Whole Foods, but smaller & local) nearby? I’ve found that’s the best place to find the odd varieties of beans and such.
Is it the color they’re specifying?

 

[mkher]

@phanzu No co-op or any specialty foods.

 

[mavhungu]

Go to a Winco type store where they sell in bulk. They have several kinds of lentils.

 

[mkher]

@mavhungu We don't have that here or anywhere I have been.

 

[mavhungu]

@mkher. Sorry. Maybe order a few different kinds. The red ones make good soup.

 

[richardsmith]

Some lentils are paper thin and some are more like bulbs. Think about the length of time for pressure based on the size/thickness of the lentil. Red lentils would need much less time than French lentils. Green or brown lentils are probably what most people find in the grocery store.

 

[mkher]

@richardsmith Don't have any idea what kind of lentils they are, just labled "lentils."

 

[richardsmith]

@mkher look at them. Use your web browser to see the different kind of lentils. This is not complicated.

 

[richardsmith]

@mkher if you bought Puy lentils or red lentils the bag would say so. Otherwise just assume they are green or brown lentils.

 

[fisherdave]

Brown

 

[1harud1]

@mkher The package should tell you what they are on the label somewhere. Either on the front or on the back. But if you know the difference between brown , red, and green then you should be able to tell which one you have.

 

[oliviabrown]

@fisherdave these are different from lentils according to my dietitian

 

[oliviabrown]

I meant to reply on the split peas

 

[fisherdave]

@oliviabrown
Oops
Thats split peas

 

[4regina]

We have an Amish grocery store that sells every color of lentils. May be worth a try

 

[mkher]

@4regina Don't have any Amish here.

 

[herlovingmother]

You may find what you are looking for in an east Indian food store. Amazon probably has what you're looking for as well.

 

[mkher]

@herlovingmother Don't have any food stores like that, not likely to go to the trouble of ordering from Amazon, especially since I don't know what kind of lentils will not be grainy when cooked.

 

[herlovingmother]

@mkher There are some great guides to types of lentils on Google. You may find what you want there.