Can you freeze lentil soup? Absolutely, yes! It’s an easy process.
But for the best results, there are some things to keep in mind. If you want your lentil soup to taste as good the second time around as the first, read on.
If you enjoy lentil soup as much as my family does, you don’t want to waste a single drop of it. We also like to have plenty to last us through our soup-eating season. And to be honest about this, any time of year is soup-eating season for us.
Check out my favorite recipe for homemade lentil soup! It’s delicious and super easy to make!
Freezing Leftover Lentil Soup
Now let’s get back to the topic at hand. Are you looking for the best way to freeze that delicious lentil soup you just made? Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to guide you through the simple steps of preserving your soup for those busy weeks ahead.
Freezing lentil soup is a great way to avoid food waste and always have a tasty meal ready to go. Having several servings in the freezer takes the pressure off when you need an easy weeknight dinner.
Choosing the Right Container
First things first, let’s talk about storage. For freezing lentil soup, you’ll want to use either freezer-safe plastic containers, glass jars, or heavy-duty freezer bags. These options ensure your soup stays fresh and free from freezer burn.
An airtight, freezer-safe container is key to maintaining the best quality of your frozen lentil soup. Remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of each container to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.
Freezing Your Leftover Soup
Now, let’s get to the freezing process. It’s important to let your leftover lentil soup cool to room temperature before freezing. This avoids any significant temperature shift in your freezer and maintains the texture of the soup. For smaller portions, ice cube trays or small containers are perfect. They make thawing individual portions a breeze – just what you need for a quick meal.
For big batches of soup, like a hearty vegetable or classic lentil soup, larger containers or even a dutch oven can be used. Just be sure there’s enough room in your freezer. If you’ve cooked your soup in an instant pot, crock pot, or slow cooker, let it cool before transferring it to your chosen container.
Many different types of soup are perfect for freezing. I like to use the same process for this homemade bean soup. Another one we like is this beef and cabbage soup that is so warm and satisfying.
You can also freeze most types of chili. When we have this chili con carne, I make a big enough batch to freeze some for later because it’s so delicious!
Thawing and Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen lentil soup, the best way to defrost it is in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, a water bath or microwave can do the trick. Just be sure to transfer the soup to a suitable container if using the microwave.
To reheat, pour your defrosted soup into a large pot and warm it on medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you find the soup a bit thick after freezing, just add a little broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Why Lentil Soup Freezes Well
Lentil soup is one of the best soups to freeze due to its simple ingredients and robust flavors. Whether you use brown lentils, red lentils, or even French green lentils, the soup maintains its texture and taste beautifully. Plus, adding ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, coconut milk, or lemon juice can really enhance the flavor profile of your reheated soup.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your reheated lentil soup, don’t hesitate to add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that just-made taste. Pairing it with a slice of crusty bread makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
I also like to have a variety of add-ons at the table so each person can have their delicious soup the way they want it.
Here are some easy add-ons to offer:
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
If there’s anything else that sounds good to you, then by all means, put it on the table!
Bread to Go with Lentil Soup
I already mentioned serving crusty bread with your lentil soup. Here are more bread options you may want to offer:
Southern Style Cornbread – My grandmother’s recipe was handed down from her mother. So this recipe has definitely survived the test of time!
Soft Dinner Rolls – It’s so easy to make these homemade dinner rolls from Back to My Southern Roots. Give them a try!
Cloud Bread – If you enjoy bread with your meal, but you need to avoid gluten, this one is for you! I love the fact that it is light and fluffy, and it delivers the satisfaction of eating bread!
Jalapeño Corn Muffins – Just the right amount of spiciness makes this option perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
Leftover Soup for Busy Weeknights
Freezing lentil soup is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite meal any time with minimal effort. By following these tips, you can ensure your soup stays fresh and tasty for a long time. So go ahead, make that big batch of soup, and rest easy knowing you’ve got a delicious, homemade meal ready whenever you need it!