What Are Yellow Lentils?
Yellow lentils (Lens culinaris) are red lentils that have been hulled and split in half. In everyday usage in Türkiye, they are also called “red lentils.” Because they are hulled, they are orange-yellow when raw and turn golden yellow when cooked.
Because they are hulled and split, they cook very quickly compared with other legumes and break down easily; this makes them a staple ingredient for soups and puréed dishes.
Yellow Lentil Nutrition Facts
One hundred grams of cooked yellow lentils provide about 120 kcal of energy, 8.8 g of plant protein, and 7.3 g of fiber; their nutritional profile is similar to that of other lentil varieties.
What Are the Benefits of Yellow Lentils?
As a source of plant protein and fiber, yellow lentils are a filling and economical option as part of a balanced diet. Their easy-to-digest texture has made them one of the first legumes traditionally chosen after illness or for infant feeding.
This is general information; yellow lentils are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Yellow Lentils
Good-quality yellow lentils should be a bright orange-yellow, with no dust buildup or musty smell.
- The lentils should be uniform in size; a mix of different sizes makes even cooking harder.
- The color should not be faded or grayish; that can be a sign they are stale.
- If there is no dust collected at the bottom of the package, they are fresh.
How to Store Yellow Lentils
Dry yellow lentils stay fresh for up to 1 year in a sealed container in a cool, dark cupboard. Cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; they can also be frozen in portions as soup.
How to Use Yellow Lentils in the Kitchen
Yellow lentils are most often used in soup; they are also used in patties, rice dishes, and puréed dips. Because they cook quickly, there is no need to soak them.
How to Make Lentil Soup
Sauté onion, carrot, and potato, then add rinsed yellow lentils and water. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils break down and the soup is smooth. Blend and serve with butter and mint.
How to Make Lentil Patties
Mix thoroughly cooked yellow lentils that have absorbed the water with fine bulgur and spices. Let the mixture cool, then shape it into patties. Serve wrapped in a lettuce leaf and drizzled with lemon juice.
Which Recipes Use Yellow Lentils?
Lentil soup, lentil patties, yellow lentil pilaf, and lentil purée are among the most popular recipes. Lentil patties are also served as an appetizer at breakfast tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are yellow lentils and red lentils the same thing?
Yes. In Türkiye, both “yellow lentils” and “red lentils” are used for the same product; both names refer to hulled and split lentils.
Do yellow lentils need to be soaked?
No. Because they are hulled and split, they do not need to be soaked; rinse them and cook them directly.
How long do yellow lentils take to cook?
They become completely soft and break down in an average of 15–20 minutes, which makes them ideal for soups and purées.
What are yellow lentils good for?
They are rich in plant protein and fiber, and their easy-to-digest texture makes them a valuable part of a balanced diet. They are a food; they do not claim to cure any disease.
Why does lentil soup foam?
The foam that rises to the surface while the soup boils consists of natural starch and protein residues from the lentils. Removing it with a spoon makes the soup clearer, but the foam is not harmful.