Lentils are not like other beans. They cook quickly and do not require soaking. You can get a one pound bag of dry lentils for eighty cents, which has maybe two cups of dry lentils in it — about half a cup would make the amount of lentils in one can.

If you avoid the can, it’s better for a lot of reasons. Uses less shipping (it’s lighter) so it is better for the environment, plus you don’t have the metal can to manufacture or recycle. Vitamins are higher if you cook them yourself. It is a LOT cheaper. If you start making large quantities of soup to freeze ahead, you’ll see the saving right away.

Here are some odd things about lentils you probably did not know: Many lentils are grown in eastern Washington State, in an area known as the Palouse. There is a Lentil Festival every summer in Pullman complete with parade, lentil mascot (Tase T Lentil) and princesses on floats. In the area, endangered species protection is being sought for a species of earthworm which is 3 ft. long and smells of lilies when handled. http://www.palouseprairie.org/invertebrates/palouseworm.html

Inspired by you, I made some lentil soup!