Yes, legumes should be rinsed thoroughly after soaking to remove any remaining dirt, debris, and indigestible sugars that have leached out during the soaking process. This helps improve their digestibility and flavor.
Soaking legumes is a crucial step in preparing them for cooking. It helps to soften them, reduce cooking time, and remove some of the oligosaccharides, which are complex sugars that can cause gas and bloating. During the soaking process, these substances are released into the soaking water.
Therefore, it's essential to discard the soaking water and rinse the legumes thoroughly before cooking. Rinsing removes any remaining dirt, dust, or debris that may have been present on the legumes before soaking. More importantly, it washes away the dissolved oligosaccharides, contributing to better digestion and reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort. A good rinse also helps to remove any residual taste from the soaking process, resulting in a cleaner, more pleasant flavor in the final dish.
After rinsing, inspect the legumes for any damaged or discolored ones and discard them. This ensures that you're only cooking with the best quality legumes, which will result in a more consistent and flavorful dish.