After 20 minutes, taste one lentil. It should be tender but still hold its shape when you bite it—not mushy, not crunchy. If it’s still a little firm, let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes, then check again.
Here’s the ironic part: every stove is different. Yours might run hot or cold, so the timer is more of a friendly suggestion. Relish the power of being the taste-tester. You earned it.
How To Cook Perfectly Tender Lentils on the Stove | Kitchn