Got a recipe that calls for brown lentils. I see packaging that specifically identifies the contents as red, green or black colored, but some don’t mention a color. Is brown the default color?

They should all cook about the same. At American grocery stores there will only be two or three kinds, with brown colored ones probably being the most common. Bob's Red Mill sells lentils specifically called brown lentils.

At an Indian grocery there will be lots of different lentils.

They all taste more or less similar. But not exactly the same.

I see. Thanks for helping this old cooker across the culinary street.

The one time it matters at least a little is with French/Le Puy lentils (which are green, but different from normal green lentils) and black lentils. Both are MUCH smaller than the other types of lentils (which are already pretty small!).

The size difference is enough to significantly affect cooking time and the overall look/feel/texture of the dish.

You can still substitute them, they don't really taste any different, they just don't have to be cooked as long and the dish eats a little differently because they're so much smaller.

Are the cook times different for each color?
Thanks

The French/Le Puy/green lentils take longer to cook in my experience than others.

The standard brown (green) lentils cook pretty quick. Orange lentils cook even faster.

If the recipe you're going for is aiming for something mushier, brown is good. If you want something with a bit more texture, I might substitute the French lentils.

This is my go-to for a lentil dish, I tried a Instant Pot and didn't quite turn-out like how Stephan does it.

Sounds like it would be best to cook them covered, on the stove top, on low heat and start checking them at 25 minutes.

Grew up on lentils from my French grandmother...they were rich in iron and "good for my blood".

Here is my favorite recipe that I've put together....and it comes with a roast as a bonus.

1 Roast
Couple of teaspoons of minced garlic
couple of onions diced
red potatoes quartered and diced
carrots cut into stew sized pieces
1 bag of lentils (include the flavor packed if it comes with one)
one packet of au jus dressing
one packet of ranch dressing
a couple of beef bouillon cubes.
beef bullion from carton (one or two cartons)
five pepperoncini peppers
one stick of butter_
water to bring to all to top if needed

Cook COVERED, in a crockpot, on LOW for SEVEN hours. add liquid if needed.

Your house will now smell like a good woman lives there.

Enjoy!