Quick and Easy Microwave Canned Lentil and Spelt Bowl

Craving a hearty meal without the hassle or high costs? This microwave bowl combines canned lentils and instant spelt for a filling, nutrient-packed dish ready in 5 minutes.

We’re talking under $2 per serving and zero fancy equipment—just your microwave and a hungry appetite.

Let’s turn pantry staples into savory comfort, with tips on nailing the texture, avoiding microwave mishaps, and flavor boosts that won’t break the bank.

Can You Microwave Canned Lentils?

Absolutely! Canned lentils are pre-cooked, making them microwave-friendly. But here’s the catch: you must drain and rinse them first. That salty liquid? It’s packed with sodium (up to 300mg per half-cup!) and can turn your bowl into a salt lick. For a quick and healthy meal, consider pairing these lentils with rice to create a cheap microwave canned lentil rice bowl that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Safety and Preparation Tips for Microwaving Canned Lentils

My brother Joseph once microwaved lentils straight from the can—no draining—and created a dish we still call “The Great Salt Lake Surprise.” Learn from his folly:

• Always rinse lentils under cold water to remove saponins (natural bitter compounds)
• Use a microwave-safe bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth
• Cover with a vented lid to prevent splatters

Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals. They only need 1-2 minutes to heat through—overcooking turns them mushy.

Can You Microwave Instant Spelt?

Yes, and it’s genius! Instant spelt is parboiled to cut cooking time. Unlike traditional grains, it absorbs liquid rapidly in the microwave. Aunt Clarice swears by this method—she once whipped up spelt for 12 cousins during a blackout using only a microwave and chicken broth. For a quick and tasty meal, consider using microwaveable canned soup with instant spelt. It’s an affordable option that combines convenience and nutrition, perfect for busy days.

How Instant Spelt Reacts to Microwave Cooking

The key is nailing the water-to-spelt ratio. We use 1:1.5 (spelt to liquid) for microwave prep. Unlike stovetop cooking, the sealed environment steams the bran layer, yielding plump kernels with a slight chew. A simple trick to enhance your microwave cooking is using this method on corn cobs. With the right adjustments, microwaving corn on the cob can result in perfectly cooked, juicy kernels in just a few minutes.

Power Level	Time	Result
High (100%)	3 mins	Al dente
Medium (70%)	4 mins	Softer texture

Let it rest 2 minutes post-microwave. The residual heat finishes the job without risking that dreaded grainy crunch.

Now that we’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about building your bowl with wallet-friendly ingredients that pack a flavor punch…

Ingredients for Microwave Lentil and Spelt Bowl

Let’s raid your pantry! This recipe thrives on flexibility—swap components based on what’s lurking in your cabinets. Our base requires just canned lentils and instant spelt, but here’s how to riff on it for a quick and easy microwave bowl.

Canned Lentil Substitutes

Out of lentils? I’ve survived many “empty pantry” nights using chickpeas or black beans. Any canned legume works if drained properly. Kidney beans add meatiness, while butterbeans bring creaminess. Just avoid sugary baked beans—trust me, maple syrup and spelt don’t play nice.

Instant Spelt Alternatives

Instant spelt’s nutty charm can be replaced with quick-cooking grains. Couscous (3 minutes) or bulgur (4 minutes) are speedy options. For gluten-free, use microwave quinoa—it fluffs beautifully. My college roommate swore by instant brown rice, though it needs 1 extra minute. These quick-cooking grains can also be paired with cheap microwave couscous veggies for a nutritious meal. Adding some fresh or frozen vegetables can turn a simple dish into a colorful and satisfying option.

Affordable Flavor Enhancers

Transform bland to grand with these budget boosters:

• Spices: Cumin + paprika (5 cents per pinch)
• Acids: Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (brightens earthy flavors)
• Broth: Swap water for stock cubes (adds umami depth)

My secret weapon? A dash of soy sauce. It’s like a flavor defibrillator for tired grains.

Also See: Chamomile Tea Cake – A Spring Microwave Treat

How to Make a Microwave Lentil and Spelt Bowl

Time to cook! Grab a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl—I use the same chipped Pyrex my grandma gifted me. Avoid metal trims; they spark more drama than a reality TV show. Pyrex is perfect for microwave cooking as it can withstand high temperatures without breaking. Using Pyrex in the microwave ensures your food heats evenly and safely.

Step 1: Draining and Rinsing Canned Lentils

Dump those lentils into a sieve. Rinse under cold water for 20 seconds to wash away saponins (nature’s bitter little pranksters). Shake vigorously—channel your inner maraca player—to remove excess water.

Step 2: Combining Lentils and Spelt

Toss ½ cup lentils and ⅓ cup instant spelt into your bowl. Add spices now—they’ll toast slightly during cooking. My go-to mix: ¼ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 twist of black pepper. This hearty mix serves as a fantastic base for a cheap microwave canned lentil soup toast, providing flavor and nutrition in one simple dish. Pairing the spices with a slice of toasted bread makes for a quick and satisfying meal.

Step 3: Adjusting Liquid Ratios

Microwaves vary, so start with 1:1.5 spelt-to-liquid. For ⅓ cup spelt, use ½ cup broth/water. Too dry? Add 1 tbsp increments. Pro tip: Tomato juice adds tangy richness for 15 extra cents. When preparing spelt, it’s important to consider how you’re using your microwave. Not all foods respond well to microwaving, and some common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results.

Step 4: Microwaving Times and Power Levels

Power	Time	Effect
100%	3 mins	Chewy spelt, firm lentils
80%	4 mins	Softer texture

Stop halfway to stir. If your microwave lacks power settings, reduce time by 30 seconds.

Step 5: Resting and Fluffing

Let it sit 2 minutes—this isn’t the time for impatience. The spelt absorbs residual steam, plumping up like a happy little pillow. Fluff with a fork, attacking any clumps with vigor.

Also See: Quick & Cozy Chai Latte Mug Cake With Spring Spices

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

We’ve all been there. My first attempt resembled cement. Learn from our blunders!

Overcooking Lentils or Spelt

Nuking too long turns lentils mushy and spelt gummy. Rescue tactic: Stir in a handful of raw spinach—the moisture revives the texture while adding greens (see can you cook spinach in the microwave).

Fixing Dry or Underseasoned Bowls

Did your roommate hog the spices? Mix in 1 tbsp water + ¼ tsp bouillon paste, then microwave 30 seconds. For flavor CPR, add a squeeze of lemon or chili flakes.

Now that we’ve dodged kitchen disasters, let’s talk about the best part—what this humble bowl actually tastes like. A delicious and convenient option is the microwave egg fried rice bowl. This dish combines fluffy rice, savory eggs, and vibrant veggies, making it a quick meal that’s full of flavor.

What Does a Lentil and Spelt Bowl Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite cozy stew met a nutty grain salad—that’s this bowl. Earthy lentils mingle with spelt’s toasted hazelnut vibe, creating a flavor that’s savory, slightly rustic, and deeply satisfying. My friend Gina calls it “hippie food with a PhD in deliciousness.”

Texture and Flavor Profile Of Microwaved Lentils and Spelt

Microwaving works magic here. Lentils stay tender but intact—no mush—while spelt develops a pleasant chew akin to farro. The quick cook time preserves their personalities better than overcooked stovetop versions. Think al dente pasta, but for grains and legumes.

Flavor-wise, canned lentils bring a mild earthiness that’s a blank canvas for spices. Instant spelt adds a toasty, almost buttery base note. Together, they’re like the culinary equivalent of your favorite flannel shirt—unpretentious and warming to the soul. Cooking lentils in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy their comforting taste. Just a few minutes in the microwave can yield perfectly tender lentils that are ready to soak up flavors.

Component	Texture	Flavor
Microwaved Lentils	Tender, holds shape	Earthy, slightly mineral
Microwaved Spelt	Chewy, slightly springy	Nutty, toasted grain

Pro tip: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice post-cooking brightens everything up. My roommate once added pickle brine (don’t ask), and it was shockingly good.

Ready to tweak this base into your own signature dish? Let’s explore wild variations that’ll make your microwave the busiest appliance in the kitchen…

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip It Up!

This microwave lentil and spelt bowl proves budget-friendly meals don’t have to skimp on flavor or nutrition. With canned lentils cooking in 90 seconds and instant spelt reaching perfect tenderness in under 3 minutes, you’ll have a protein-packed meal faster than delivery.

Experiment with our suggested variations—toss in frozen spinach during microwaving or stir in feta after cooking—to make this base recipe your own. Just don’t blame us when this becomes your new 3-minute comfort food obsession!