Can you keep soaked lentils in water overnight? Yes, but learn why it's best to drain them and store in the fridge to prevent fermentation.
1 Answer
Yes, you can store leftover soaked lentils in water overnight in the refrigerator. This helps prevent them from drying out and potentially fermenting at room temperature.
Detailed Explanation:
Soaking lentils helps to reduce their cooking time and improve digestibility. After soaking, if you have leftover lentils in water, it's important to store them properly to maintain their quality and prevent bacterial growth. Leaving them at room temperature can lead to fermentation and spoilage, especially in warmer climates. Refrigerating the soaked lentils in their soaking water significantly slows down any bacterial activity. To store them, simply transfer the lentils and their soaking water to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They can be safely stored this way for up to 24 hours. Before cooking, drain and rinse the lentils thoroughly.
Pro Tip:
If you don't plan to cook the soaked lentils within 24 hours, it's best to freeze them. Drain the soaked lentils, spread them out on a baking sheet, and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from clumping together and allows you to use only the amount you need later.