1 Mason jar with canning lid or muslin cloth for alternate method
Ingredients
1cuplentils, rinsed 2-3 times
3cupswater
Instructions
Run your fingers through the dried lentils and discard any stones or dirt particles. Rinse the lentils 2-3 times to clean them thoroughly, then drain them. Soak them in 3 cups of water overnight or at least 12 hours.
Discard the soaking liquid, and rinse and drain them. Transfer the lentils to a 1 quart mason jar.
Cover the jar with a damp paper towel or muslin cloth, and secure that with the hollow outer ring of the canning lid.
Invert the jar and place it tilted in a bowl or lay it sideways on the coutertop. Keep it in a cool dark place for another 12 hours, or overnight.
Check on the progress. By now lentils would have grown little white tails. Depending on the weather and location, this might take 24-36 hours. If the tails are too small, rinse and drain the lentils. Cover them with a fresh kitchen towel, secure the lid, and store them titled for another 12 hours.
Once the tails reach your desired length, rinse and drain the lentils. Once dry, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them until ready to use.
Video
Notes
Use a large, 1-quart (32 oz) mason jar. The lentils will expand upon sprouting, growing 3-4 times in volume. They need an ample amount of room to grow.
Cover the jar with damp paper towel, muslin cloth or cheesecloth. You need a lid that will allow airflow while the lentils are sprouting.
Use any variety of lentils or beans. This includes red, green, brown, black, or de Puy (French) lentils, as well as mung beans, alfalfa, chickpeas or adzuki beans. The process for sprouting is the same, but the time will vary.
Sprout until the tails are ¼ inch long or longer. This is all about personal preference.
If the tails are too small, rinse and drain the lentils to prevent any mold growth. Cover them with a fresh kitchen towel, secure the lid, and store them titled for another 6-12 hours.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you are following any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.