Lentil soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish that can be a healthy part of anyone’s diet. It’s an especially great meal prep option since it freezes well and reheats easily. Freezing lentil soup allows you to make a large batch that can be portioned out into individual servings. This saves time and lets you enjoy delicious homemade soup whenever you want it. Below we’ll explore the benefits and downsides of freezing lentil soup and provide tips for doing it right.
The Benefits of Freezing Lentil Soup
There are several advantages to freezing lentil soup:
- Saves prep time – Making a double or triple batch of lentil soup takes just a little more time than making a single batch. Freezing the extras means you won’t have to start from scratch each time you want some soup.
- Cost effective – Buying ingredients like lentils, veggies and stock in bulk is cheaper than purchasing small amounts. Making a large pot of soup lets you maximize the value of those ingredients.
- Always have healthy meals available – Life gets busy, but having frozen lentil soup batches ready to thaw and heat means you’ve got tasty, nutritious food on hand.
- Maintains flavor and texture – Lentil soup freezes well with minimal impact on its taste and mouthfeel when properly stored.
- Customize each meal – Soups tend to get better after a day or two in the fridge as flavors meld. Freezing in individual portions lets you tweak spices/toppings to your liking each time you reheat.
As you can see, stocking your freezer with homemade lentil soup provides excellent convenience, cost savings, and nutrition. It’s a handy way to always have a fast, healthy meal ready to enjoy.
Possible Downsides of Freezing Lentil Soup
Freezing lentil soup can change the texture and cause it to separate when thawed. Here are some potential downsides and how to avoid them:
- Watery texture – Frozen soup can weep liquid as it thaws, resulting in a thinner, watered down consistency. Blending the soup after thawing helps re-incorporate the liquid.
- Grainy texture – Freezing can damage the starch in lentils, making them mushy or grainy. Avoid overcooking lentils before freezing to help maintain their integrity.
- Separation – Ingredients may separate after freezing and thawing. Stirring regularly as the soup reheats usually gets it back to the proper consistency.
- Loss of brightness – Frozen veggies like carrots can get dull and faded looking. Quickly blanching them before adding to soup helps preserve their color.
With care taken during prep, freezing and reheating, none of these potential texture and appearance changes should be too noticeable. Follow the tips provided below to get the best results.
How to Freeze Lentil Soup
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to successfully freeze your homemade lentil soup:
- Make a batch of lentil soup according to your favorite recipe. Avoid overcooking the lentils.
- Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight freezer-safe containers. Leave at least 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Label the containers with the soup name and freeze-by date (3-6 months). Arrange containers in freezer to allow cold air to circulate.
- For quick single servings, pour cooled soup into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store in a labeled freezer bag.
- Avoid freezing too large of a quantity in a single container. 2-3 cup portions thaw faster and more evenly.
Following this process will safely preserve your lentil soup at optimal quality for enjoyment later on. Be sure to freeze the soup as soon as it has cooled to prevent potential bacteria growth.
How to Thaw and Reheat Frozen Lentil Soup
Thawing and reheating lentil soup correctly is important for retaining its flavor and texture. Here are some tips:
- Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen lentil soup overnight in the refrigerator. For a quicker thaw, place the sealed container under cold running water or in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Reheating on the stovetop: Transfer the thawed soup to a pot and bring to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Be patient and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Reheating in the microwave: Cook the soup in short 2-3 minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot. This prevents overcooking.
- Adding a splash of broth: If the soup seems too thick after reheating, stir in a splash of vegetable or chicken broth to adjust consistency.
- Blend with an immersion blender: For a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender to briefly puree the soup after reheating.
Avoid boiling or overheating the soup when reheating, as this can make the lentils mushy. With a bit of care, your thawed lentil soup will taste just like fresh!
What Kind of Lentil Soup Freezes Best?
All types of lentil soup can be frozen, but some hold up a little better than others:
| Soup Type | Freezes Well? |
|---|---|
| Red or green lentil soup | Very well – Smooth pureed texture reheats nicely |
| Lentil chili | Fairly well – Can get watery when thawed |
| Lentil and veggie soup | Fairly well – Vegetables soften more |
| Lentil and barley soup | Fairly well – Barley can absorb liquid |
| Lentil and rice soup | Less well – Rice can get mushy |
| Lentil and pasta soup | Least well – Pasta turns soggy when thawed |
Smooth, pureed lentil soups with minimal chunks of vegetables or grains freeze and reheat the best. Heartier soups with barley, rice or pasta tend to lose their textural appeal. Avoid freezing those for more than 2-3 months.
Tips for Freezing Lentil Soup
Follow these handy tips for the best frozen lentil soup results:
- Fully cool soup before freezing – seals in flavor and texture
- Portion into small containers – for faster thawing and even heating
- Leave headspace in containers – allows room for expansion as soup freezes
- Use freezer-grade storage bags or containers
- Press out excess air before sealing – prevents freezer burn
- Label containers with name and date – for easy identification
- Don’t freeze more than 3-6 months – prevents decline in quality
- Thaw fully in fridge before reheating – keeps texture intact
Conclusion
Freezing homemade lentil soup lets you save time while always having a healthy, hearty meal handy. Following the proper preparation, freezing, storage, and reheating techniques helps maintain the flavor, texture and appearance of your soup. Portion into small batches, allow space for expansion, and avoid overcooking. With the right methods, frozen lentil soup makes for fast, nutritious lunches and dinners.
