Legume | Vegan Gluten Free High Protein High Fiber

Yellow Lentils

Lens culinaris Allergen-Free
Yellow Lentils

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Indian, Middle Eastern
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Lentil plant seeds

The Forktionary Angle

"The versatile, split pulse that's a cornerstone of quick-cooking vegetarian dishes, beloved for its ability to absorb flavors."

Definition

Split and skinned lentils, typically quick-cooking, with a mild, earthy flavor and soft, creamy texture when cooked.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Earthy, Nutty, Slightly Sweet
TextureSoft, Creamy, Mushy when overcooked
AromaMild, Leguminous
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Usage

Staple in Indian & Middle Eastern cuisine

Protein Content

Approx. 24g per 100g dry

Quick Cook Time

15-20 minutes (no pre-soak)

Nutrition Facts

Per 45g (1/4 cup dry)
Calories350 kcal
Total Fat1g
Saturated Fat0.2g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein25g
Total Carbohydrate60g
Dietary Fiber15g
Total Sugars2g
Calcium60mg
Iron7mg
Potassium900mg

Chef’s Secret

For quicker cooking and to reduce flatulence, soak yellow lentils for 30 minutes before rinsing and cooking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Red Lentils

1:1

Very similar in cooking time and creamy texture, often interchangeable in soups and dals.

Split Peas (yellow or green)

1:1

Longer cooking time, but yields a similarly creamy and starchy result.

Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas)

1:1

Common in Indian cuisine, offers a slightly different flavor but similar texture and use.

Chickpeas (cooked and mashed)

1:1

Different texture (more granular), but can substitute for bulk and protein in some dishes.

Buying Guide

Look for clean, unblemished lentils. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Flavor Pairings

Rice curries stews soups flatbreads vegetables spices like turmeric cumin ginger.

Recipes Using Yellow Lentils

Subru Uncle's Delicious's Indian Sambar Veg Curry We All Love image 149
Dietary Heirloom Historical Dietary Potluck

Subru Uncle's Delicious's Indian Sambar Veg Curry We All Love

This family-favorite South Indian Sambar recipe, perfected over 13 years by Subru Uncle (a former Oman hotel chef!), is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine the rich aroma of spices filling your kitchen as you create this authentic, flavorful curry. Served hot with rice, it's a complete meal that's perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions – it even disappears quickly at potlucks! Learn Subru Uncle's secret to a gold-star sambar and elevate your Indian cooking today. Pairs perfectly with our recipe #17933 (presumably rasam).

See Complete Recipe