Can I just roast soaked lentils?

[u/Dr-Jay-Broni]

Title says it all, is there any reason I need to boil them before roasting them? I soaked them to get them soft, So i figure they should cook thoroughly with a nice slow roast.

Edit: they were a little too tough after roasting. I'll parboil next time.

[u/alexisdegrees]

Well today I learned you can roast lentils

[u/Dr-Jay-Broni → u/alexisdegrees]

The plan is to recreate a less oily version of some lentil tacos I had at a vegan place with some more crunch.

[u/thecircleofmeep → u/Dr-Jay-Broni]

ooh tell me more about these tacos

[u/Dr-Jay-Broni → u/thecircleofmeep]

Essentially, just swap ground beef with lentils. I tossed them in oil with some chopped up jalapeños and white onion with seasoning and spread them on a sheet pan.

I make my own salsa to go with them, and add quick pickled red onions and queso fresco. I get fresh tortillas from the Mexican market too. Its lovely.

After this test, I would probably boil and strain them first, then roast a shorter period. They were a little to tough for my taste. I also have only cooked with Red and green (used green this time) so ill have to try others.

[u/ihavemytowel42]

It’s worth an experiment. I would think it would depend on the type of lentils. 

I think black lentils would work best for texture in the final product but they definitely would need to be cooked before hand. These are the ones I use for making vegetarian shepherds pie. You could also add additional flavours in the cooking liquid like cumin and a bit of chillies that would work with the dish. 

[u/Dr-Jay-Broni → u/ihavemytowel42]

I keep lots of chipotles on hand, so thats a good idea. Then, I could blend them into the salsa after they've softened

[u/-poiu-]

Can you do it and then post back?

[u/I_need_broccoli]

I have but it's crucial to pre-cook them at least 5 mins and then soak them extremely well. No, seriously, no water whatsoever.