“How long does lentil soup last?” is a common question for anyone who loves cooking big batches. Well, the short answer is – Lentil soup can stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.
However, note that the shelf life of the soup depends on different things, like ingredients. Worry not; keep reading to know everything.
How Long Does Lentil Soup Last?
Lentil soup can last up to a week in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. If kept in the freezer, it can remain good for about three months. Out of the fridge, lentil soup should be consumed within two hours to avoid any risk of bacterial growth.
How Long Does Lentil Soup Last Out of the Fridge?
Lentil soup should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Beyond this time, bacteria can grow rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Always store your soup in the fridge or freezer as soon as it cools down.
How Long Does Homemade Lentil Soup Last in the Fridge?
Homemade lentil soup can last up to five to seven days in the fridge. Ensure it is stored in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other food odors. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain its quality.
Note that the homemade soup can spoil quickly if you use poor-quality lentils.
How Long Does Lentil Soup Last on the Stove?
Lentil soup can be kept on the stove for up to two hours. After this, it should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent bacterial growth. Continuous heating is not recommended as it can degrade the quality and flavor of the soup.
How Long Does Lentil Soup Last in the Freezer?
Lentil soup can last for up to three months in the freezer. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness and quality over time.
But how to freeze lentil soup properly?
To freeze lentil soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion and label with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
However, let me tell you here that this shelf life can vary, depending on the type of lentil soup.
Here is a table on different types of lentil soups and their shelf life.
| Type of Lentil Soup | Shelf Life (Refrigerator) | Shelf Life (Freezer) |
| Classic Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Red Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Green Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Yellow Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Spiced Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Lentil and Vegetable Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Lentil and Ham Soup | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Curried Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Moroccan Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
| Coconut Lentil Soup | 4-5 days | 3 months |
How To Know if Lentil Soup Is Bad?
To know if lentil soup is bad, check for an off smell, sour or moldy odor, or unusual color changes. A sour or bitter taste also indicates spoilage. Additionally, if the soup has been stored for more than 3-4 days in the refrigerator, it’s best to discard it to ensure safety.
Off Smell
One of the first signs that your lentil soup has gone bad is an off smell. The fresh soup should have a pleasant, savory aroma. If you notice a sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant odor when you open the container, it’s a clear indicator that the soup has spoiled.
This smell is due to the growth of bacteria or mold. Even if the soup looks okay, a bad smell is a sure sign it’s time to toss it.
Sour Taste
If you taste your lentil soup and it has a sour or strange taste, it’s a sign that it has spoiled. Lentil soup should taste savory and flavorful. A sour taste indicates fermentation or bacterial growth, which means it is no longer safe to eat. Never rely solely on taste to determine if food is safe, but a sour taste is a definite red flag.
Visible Mold
Visible mold is an obvious sign that your lentil soup has gone bad. Mold can appear as green, white, or black spots on the surface of the soup. If you see any mold, do not try to scoop it out and eat the rest.
Mold spores can spread throughout the soup, even if you can’t see them. Throw the entire batch away immediately to avoid any health risks.
Discoloration
Fresh lentil soup has a consistent color, depending on the ingredients used. If you notice any unusual discoloration, such as dark spots or a change in the overall color of the soup, it’s a sign that it might be spoiled.
Discoloration can occur when the ingredients begin to break down and spoil. Therefore, I always suggest checking the color before eating.
Slimy Texture
A slimy texture is another sign that your lentil soup has gone bad. The fresh soup should have a smooth, slightly thick consistency. If you notice a slimy or gooey texture, it’s likely that bacteria have started to grow. This texture change is a strong indication that the soup is no longer safe to eat.
When in doubt, it’s best to discard the soup to avoid any potential foodborne illness.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Lentil Soup?
Eating bad lentil soup can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. These symptoms can appear within a few hours to a few days after consumption and can range from mild to severe.
Stomach Cramps
If you eat bad lentil soup, one of the first things you might notice is stomach cramps. This happens because your stomach is trying to get rid of the harmful bacteria or toxins. These cramps can be quite painful and may last for several hours. It’s your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right.
Drinking plenty of water and resting can help ease the discomfort.
Vomiting
Vomiting is another common symptom of food poisoning. When your body detects that you’ve eaten something bad, it tries to expel it quickly. Vomiting can be very unpleasant, but it helps get rid of the harmful bacteria or toxins in your stomach.
Make sure to stay hydrated by sipping on water or an electrolyte solution to replace lost fluids.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is also a sign that you’ve eaten bad lentil soup. This happens because the bacteria or toxins in the soup irritate your intestines. Diarrhea helps flush out these harmful substances. It’s important to drink lots of fluids if you have diarrhea to prevent dehydration.
Stick to bland foods like toast or crackers until you feel better.
Fever
Sometimes, eating bad lentil soup can cause a fever. This means your body is fighting off the infection caused by the harmful bacteria. A fever can make you feel hot, sweaty, and tired. Rest is crucial when you have a fever.
You can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to help reduce the fever and make you more comfortable.
Dehydration
One of the biggest risks of food poisoning is dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause your body to lose a lot of fluids quickly. Dehydration can make you feel dizzy, weak, and very thirsty. It’s important to drink small sips of water, juice, or an electrolyte solution often. If you’re unable to keep fluids down, seek medical help immediately.
While learning about the shelf life of lentil soup, you might also be curious about other pantry items. Ever wondered about popcorn kernels? Can you eat them even after they expire? Find out in Do Popcorn Kernels Expire? Here’s What You Need to Know.
FAQ
How Long Does Carrot and Lentil Soup Last?
Carrot and lentil soup can last up to a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. In the freezer, it can remain good for up to three months. If left out at room temperature, it should be consumed within two hours to avoid spoilage.
How Long Does Red Lentil Soup Last?
Red lentil soup lasts up to five days in the fridge when stored in a sealed container. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for up to three months. If kept at room temperature, it should be consumed within two hours to ensure it remains safe to eat.
How Long Does Ham and Lentil Soup Last?
Ham and lentil soup can last up to five days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. In the freezer, it can remain good for up to three months. If left out at room temperature, it should be eaten within two hours to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safety.
Conclusion
Storing lentil soup properly ensures it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here’s a summary:
- In the fridge: Lentil soup lasts up to one week.
- In the freezer: It can stay good for up to three months.
- At room temperature: Consume within two hours.
- Signs of spoilage: Off smell, sour taste, visible mold, discoloration, and slimy texture.
Now, you can enjoy your lentil soup for longer and ensure it’s always delicious!
