Cook the lentils for 5 minutes ? really, only 5 minutes ? thanks for the confimation ps the (canned) sardine and fennel pasta was divine

Red lentils cook very quickly so while in any given kitchen on any given day it could take a little more than 5 minutes, it is a quick cook. Try one at 5 minutes and if it's still a little hard go longer. Just don't go too long so that they get mushy!