If not stored correctly, lentils, which are a kind of legume, can go bad.
If your lentils are starting to smell funny or look discolored, then it’s time to toss them out.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to store and cook lentils so you don’t end up with an unpleasant surprise when you open your pantry cupboard.
Do lentils go bad?
No, lentils don’t go bad like beans do.
They’re actually quite stable and will stay fresh as long as you store them correctly.
However, there are a few things you should be aware of before buying lentils because they are prone to spoilage.
First off, lentils are very perishable – they need to be cooked immediately after purchase.
If you buy lentils in bulk, you might want to consider freezing them first to extend their shelf life.
It’s also important to make sure that your lentils aren’t sitting on top of other foods that could cause contamination.
How long do lentils last?
The average shelf life of dry lentils is around two years.
That means that if you buy them at least one year ago, you probably won’t have any problems eating them.
However, the longer they sit, the more likely they are to become moldy.
Can you eat lentils after they’ve gone bad?
Yes, but only if you’re willing to risk getting sick from spoiled food.
You can safely consume lentils once they’ve lost their “best by” date, which varies depending on where you live.
For example, lentils sold in the U.S.
are required to have a best-by date between April 26 and October 15.
In Canada, they must be dated by November 1, while those in Europe must be dated by January 31st.
What are the signs that lentils have gone bad?
One of the most common signs that lentils are going bad is a funky odor.
If you find yourself smelling something that smells like rotten eggs or dead fish, then you should throw it away.
The same goes for lentils that look slimy or have dark specks floating inside of them.
Another sign of lentil spoilage is a change in color.
If your lentils start turning brown or black, then you should toss them out immediately.
How can you tell if lentils are still good to eat?
You can test lentils to see if they’re still edible by cooking them.
As long as they’re still firm and hold together when you bite into them, they’ll be fine.
You can also check the packaging to see what the expiration date looks like.
If it hasn’t changed since you bought it, then it’s probably safe to eat.
Is it safe to eat lentils that have been stored for a long time?
If you bought your lentils in bulk, then it’s possible that they may have sat on top of other items for a long time.
While this isn’t ideal, it’s unlikely to affect their safety.
However, if you do notice a foul odor coming from your lentils, then you should definitely discard them.
How do you store lentils to keep them fresh?
To avoid spoiling, you should store your lentils in a cool, dry place.
This includes refrigerators, freezers, and pantries.
Keep your lentils in airtight containers, such as jars or plastic bags, so that moisture doesn’t build up inside of them.
What is the best way to cook lentils?
Lentils are great served as part of a salad, either alone or mixed with vegetables and other ingredients.
You can also add them to soups or stews.
When you’re preparing lentils, always remember to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck to them.
Once they’re rinsed, you can cook them using any method you prefer.
Some people like to boil them until they’re tender, while others prefer to steam them instead.
There are numerous quick and simple ways to prepare delicious and wholesome meals using lentils. High quantities of vitamins and minerals can be found in lentils. Let’s look at How to make delicious Lentils using Microwave
Are lentils a healthy food?
While lentils are high in protein and fiber, they’re also rich in iron.
Because they contain both soluble and insoluble forms of iron, they’re considered a complete source of nutrition.
Lentils are also low in fat and sodium, making them a good choice for dieters who want to get rid of extra weight without sacrificing flavor.
What are some recipes that use lentils?
Lentils are versatile enough to work in just about every meal, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts.
Here are some examples of dishes that include lentils:
Black Bean Soup
Baked Potato Soup
Fried Lentils
Spinach Quiche
Quinoa Pilaf
How to make delicious Lentils using Microwave
Equipment
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup split lentils
- 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp salt
Instructions
- First of all, combine all lentils with 1 1/2 cups of water in a big glass microwave-secure bowl.
- Then Cook on higher, uncovered, for almost fourteen minutes.
- It must be adequate time under a standard setting.
- However, you can require to adjust your recipe by a single minute or two minutes, it exactly depends upon the power of your microwave).
- Cautiously take away the warm bowl from the microwave, mix and place to the side.
- In a little pan over intermediate heat, include the butter or heat for almost a minute.
- After it is done, mix in the crushed red pepper flakes, curry powder, and ginger powder.
- Allow the spices to boil and infuse the defrosted butter for almost thirty seconds.
- Then take away from heat earlier than the red pepper flakes blaze.
- Now, include the infused butter or salt, spices, and lemon juice in the baked lentils and provide it a superior stir.
- Serve hot, and you may consume this as is, with rice.
- For an additional kick, include a warm sauce or highly spiced Indian chutney or sprinkle with plain yogurt.
- For some variation, whereas the lentils are cooking in your microwave, sauté a few tomatoes, onions, and spinach and mix them into the baked lentils with the spices.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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