How long does lentil soup last? Lentil soup is made from lentils, either with the husk or without it, maybe vegetarian (without meat) or may contain meat.
Lentils are of different colors – brown, red, yellow, green, or black. Each color has a distinct feature and produces different results.
Yellow and red lentils disintegrate during the cooking process thereby producing a thick soup. It is usually a starter in any course meal.
If you consume a large portion of lentil soup, it can serve as a main meal and satisfy adequately, giving off essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, and folate.
Lentil soup will taste even better the next day and can freeze and defrost well.
This is most suitable for vegetarians. For non-vegans, meat may be added.
In this post, you’ll know the storage methods and shelf life hacks of this amazing lentil soup
Ranging from how long does lentil soup last in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature? How to tell if it is bad and how to store lentil soup to make it last longer.
Read up and don’t forget to drop your questions in the comment section.
So, how long does lentil soup last in the fridge?
Lentil soup keeps fresh and maintains taste and quality in the fridge for 4 to 7 days if you store it properly in the right conditions necessary in the refrigerator.
After 3 days, it may not taste so fresh so it is preferable to freeze it if you want to keep it for a longer period of time.
Red-colored lentils are best because they cook quickly and disintegrate, enhancing the creamy texture of the soup.
If red lentils are not available, green lentils can substitute perfectly but may take a longer time in cooking.
How Long Does Lentil Soup Last In The Freezer?
Lentil soup will last at best quality for 4 to 6 months and may remain safe beyond that time. To further extend the shelf life, store it inside freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze.
Lentil soup kept at 0⁰F temperature continuously will store indefinitely.
If defrosted and thawed in the fridge, it can stay for 3 to 4 more days but if thawed in the microwave, it should be used immediately.
Although, freezing lentil soup may cause a slight change in flavor.
Recommendation:
- Does black seed oil go bad in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature?
- How long does a breakfast burrito last in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature?
- Can fresh pomelo fruit go bad in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature?
How Long Does Lentil And Bacon Soup Last?
If stored inside an airtight container and kept in the fridge, it can last for 3 days. It can also freeze well in freezer bags or airtight containers and last for 3 months.
When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator and reheat, adding little water or stock. Lentil soup and bacon go well with cheese and mustard straws.
If tomatoes are used, they will keep for 1 week due to acidity which makes food last longer.
Bacon can be pork, the belly or less fatty parts of the back, and when added to lentils, it makes it a non-vegan dish.
It is used as an ingredient in lentil soup.
How Long Does Ham And Lentil Soup Last?
If continuously refrigerated, it will last for 3 to 4 days. This soup is made mostly with brown or green lentils.
Red lentils will get softer and make the soup creamy, black or green lentils will hold their shape and be more bity.
Nevertheless, all varieties are great.
Although freezing may cause a slight change in texture, you can splash hot water to thicken the soup when ready to use, depending on the variety.
Green lentils are the best for freezing due to their ability to maintain shape and texture.
In order to freeze soup properly, cook it fully and leave it to cool entirely.
Then, store them in airtight containers or wrap them in freezer bags and freeze.
Recommendation:
- How long does vanilla extract last in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature?
- Does jojoba oil go bad in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature?
- How long does ginger juice last in the fridge, freezer, and pantry.
How Long Does Carrot And Lentil Soup Last?
It can keep in the refrigerator for 1 week and if transferred to freezer bags, it can freeze for 6 months. This soup can be 100% vegan if non-dairy yogurt is used.
Carrot and lentil soup has a lot of flavors because it contains spices like cinnamon and za’atar infused olive oil.
It is very suitable for vegetarians due to the vegetable broth and non-dairy yogurt.
Red lentils are the best and can only be substituted with yellow lentils for this soup.
Green, brown, or black lentils won’t give a good texture.
It can be served with warm crusty bread, pizza, and Greek salad.
When ready to use, defrost in the fridge overnight and heat gently until the warmth seeps all around.
How Long Does Vegetarian Lentil Soup Last?
Vegetarian lentil soup will stay for 5 days in the fridge if kept in an airtight container at a cold temperature constantly.
It can stay frozen for a minimum of 3 months to 5 months. It should be refrigerated promptly after it has cooled off.
Vegetarian lentil soup comes out best when tomatoes and carrots are added. It makes it more vegan.
Olive oil, spices, onion, and garlic will give a perfect vegan blend.
Most brown lentils are best for vegetarian lentil soup. The texture is soft just right.
Defrost when ready to use and serve hot.
How Long Can Cooked Lentils Stay In The Fridge?
Dried lentils that have been cooked will last for 5 to 7 days in the fridge or can stay frozen for 6 months.
Store it in airtight containers or plastic bags before refrigerating or freezing.
To preserve them well, ensure they are refrigerated not more than 2 hours after cooking.
They should not be left out for long. Discard if left out for more than 2 hours after cooking, because bacteria will grow at temperatures between 40⁰F and 140⁰F.
To further extend the shelf life, freeze in airtight container or freezer bags at 0⁰ F constantly.
If thawed in the fridge, it can last 3 to 4 more days, but if thawed in a microwave, it should be consumed immediately.
Recommendation:
- How long does argan oil last in the storage place?
- Can onion oil go bad in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature?
- How long does lemon curd last in the fridge, freezer, and pantry?
Can You Get Food Poisoning From Lentil Soup?
Freshly cooked lentil soup is healthy and will not give food poisoning because all potential bacteria have been killed during the process of cooking, except your system is not comfortable with the ingredients.
However, food poisoning may occur when you eat raw lentils.
This is because of the protein called lectin which results in toxic reactions, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Also, due to the high fiber content of lentils, they can result in a bloated stomach and the production of gas for some people.
Another rare case of food poisoning is if the cooked lentil is left at room temperature for long and comes in contact with contaminants.
Furthermore, undercooked lentils are hard to digest and may cause discomfort.
People with kidney problems should avoid lentils
How to Know If Lentil Soup Is Bad?
Here are some tips on how to tell if lentil soup is bad;
- The senses are the fastest and easiest way to determine if it is bad and unsafe for consumption.
- Bad lentil soup will have an off odor, discoloration, change in flavor, and appearance of mold.
- Lentil Soup in rust, dented, leaked or bulging cans should be discarded because there are high chances that it has been exposed to contaminants and bacteria.
- If left out for 3 days and more, bacteria will grow in them and this can be seen clearly with a lab test.
- However, the basic signs of spoilage are bad smell, sour taste, and the appearance of mold.
How To Store
Here is how to make lentil soup last longer;
In order to ensure proper storage, refrigerate in a glass or plastic container with a tightly fitted lid. It will keep for 3 to 5 days.
Also, place in a freezer bag and freeze.
Remember not to keep it out for too long or after 2 hours from cooking time.
Once it is cooled, consume it immediately or store it in a refrigerator or freezer.
Conclusion
Lentil soup is very nutritious and essential, and cannot be written off.
It is cost-efficient and very satisfying.
Easy to prepare and convenient for vegans and non-vegans.
It is easy to store and preserve and has a long shelf life.
Remember, how long does lentil soup last?