French Green Lentils are a hard-to-find Lentil that are a beautiful deep fall green. These lentils contain a seed coat and are 1/2 cm. wide with a mild, earthly flavor. The French Green Lentils texture is a bit firmer than most other lentils and hold their shape well when cooked. Basic preparation: Lentils do not require soaking. Simmer 1 cup lentils with 4 cups water, 20 to 25 minutes. Skim the water while cooking. One cup dry yields 2 cups cooked.