How to Sprout Lentils

Sprouted lentils are so tasty, crunchy and delicious, easily added to salads, slaw, sandwiches, wraps or as a garnish to finish off any food you like. It is so easy to sprout lentils at home and the cost is super low. All you need is a bag of lentils and a couple of mason jars and you are ready to learn how to sprout lentils at home. 

Sprouted Lentils

With the cost of eggs, feed for chickens, groceries skyrocketing, and all the other uncertainty going on around us there is enough reason for expanding your own food supply through sprouting lentils and more.

But beyond that there is an amazing nutritional benefit to it. NOTE: Uncooked legumes are toxic to people and to poultry.

Lentils typically need to be cooked but sprouting them neutralises the phytic acid and helps the absorption of nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin C. They are also are high in potassium, fibre, and folate. They will also provide you with the important minerals zinc and copper.

Now, take all those benefits and double them because not only are they amazing to add into your diet but they are great for your chickens too! This is a great way to reduce your feed costs and slip some extra nutrients into their diet at the same time. They will love nibbling on them as a treat while getting some good greens, in winter this is especially important.

I recommend having two jars, or more, going at a time, maybe more depending on the size of your household or flock. You can space them a few days out so they are always at different stages of growth and you have plenty of time to eat them before they are no longer good, which by the way they keep for about a week in the fridge once sprouted.

What are Sprouted Lentils

Sprouted lentils are legume grains that go through germination. This process changes the compounds in the lentils, making them easier to digest. It also makes them a delicious, crunchy addition to salads, soups, sandwiches and more.

Best Lentils to Sprout

Almost any variety of lentils will sprout, though the ones that I find are better are green, black and the French Style lentils (de Puy). You can opt for the organic varieties, if that is what you prefer.

Beans can also be sprouted, with the best ones to use being the mung beans, alfalfa, white and brown chickpeas and adzuki beans.

NOTE: Only whole, untreated lentils and beans can be sprouted. The split ones can not be used.

Jar Size

The size of the jar that is used is important. Lentils double in size after sprouting, so you will need a jar that allows them to increase in size while leaving room for air to circulate.

Using Sprouted Lentils

Sprouted lentils are so very tasty and versatile. Here are a few ways to use them:

• Use raw in salads, tacos, sandwiches, wraps
• Steam them by sprinkling a few tablespoons of water on the lentils and heating in the microwave for one minute. Once cooled slightly, top salads with them. This process can make them slightly chewy.
• Cook them in soups and curries

Sprouted Lentils for Chickens

Chickens need protein for egg production and to help them stay warm during the cooler months. One tasty treat that they will enjoy is sprouted lentils.

These germinated seeds have increased nutritional value, making them an easy, and cheaper way to provide fresh greens for your chickens.

Other sprouting options for chickens include red clover, alfalfa, mung beans, barley or wheat berries.

Before giving sprouts to your chickens, go through and make sure they have all sprouted, removing the pieces that haven’t.

How to Sprout Lentils

You can grab an entire sprouting kit HERE to get started or use mason jars you already have on hand and just grab some sprouting lids.

To sprout lentils (and beans), you will need:

• 16 oz glass jars
• sprouting lids
• Dried lentils
• Water

Check the dried lentils, making sure to remove any stones, dust or other particles.

Rinse them thoroughly a couple of times, making sure to drain them in the process.

In a clean mason jar,  pour ½ cup of dried lentil beans.

Cover with water 1” above the top of beans. This equates to around three times the water.

Replace lid and allow lentils to sit for around 12 hours, or overnight.

Turn the jar over once they are done soaking and drain the liquid out. 

With the lentils in the jar, cover with the sprouting lid. Set them in a warm place out of direct sunlight.

You will want to run water over them in the morning and at night to rinse them and then drain all the water out, leaving them just damp. Rinsing will help prevent the growth of mould.

After about 3-5 days your jar should be completely full with sprout growth. This does depend on your climate and your preferred tail length. If the tails are too small for your liking, rinse, drain and store for another 6 to 12 hours.

If the tails are around ¼ inch, rinse and drain the lentils.

Place the jar in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Tip: If you live in a colder climate, try placing the mason jar in the oven and closing the door. The oven light can also be turned on, to add a little subtle heat which will help the lentils maintain a constant warm temperature.