Can You Reheat Dahl? – (3 Ways To Reheat)

Dahl/lentils are the perfect lunch or dinner option because they are quick and easy to prepare, and with a little roti or naan, the experience would make anyone’s day! Ending up with leftover dahl/lentils might make you wonder: can you reheat dahl? That, too, without compromising their nutritional value? Keep on reading to find out how!

Can you reheat dahl?

Yes, you can reheat lentils. In fact, people are big fans of reheated dahl. Lentils are often reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, both of which take only a few minutes.

3 ways to reheat dahl at home!

Now that we know reheating dahl is achievable, we’ll talk about the 3 different methods that you can use. Here are the 3 methods:

1. Warm water: This method takes about 5 to 8 minutes. The texture of the reheated dahl would be warm, not hot like it was when it was cooked.

2. Microwave: This method takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Depending on the preparation, it may dry out or get mushy, but it usually yields decent results if the proper instructions are followed.
3. Stovetop: This method takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The reheated dahl would be hot, with the same texture as when first prepared, but there’s a risk of overcooking if not careful.

How to reheat dahl using warm water?

The best method for reheating lentils is also the simplest, but it only works if the lentils are stored alone, without any other ingredients. Here’s what you need to do to reheat dahl using warm water:

1. Fill half a bowl with hot water and add the lentils. Leave them in the water until they’re well-warmed. Then combine them with any other ingredients you’ll serve with your lentils.
2. Make sure your lentils are stored in a tightly sealed, BPA-free container that can be heated. Fill the sink or a bowl halfway with warm or hot but not boiling water. Place the lentil container in it.
3. Warm your lentils by allowing the heat from the water to pass through the container, and they will be ready to serve in 5-8 minutes.

How to reheat dahl in a microwave?

Microwaving your dahl is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to warm them up. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Take a microwave-safe dish and pour your dahl into it. You can add and mix some water in for a thinner consistency.
2. Cover the dish with a splatter guard.
3. Allow your dahl to warm up in the oven for 1 minute, then take it out and stir.
4. Then pop it back in the oven and continue heating in 30-second intervals.
5. Stir the dahl at every interval and keep reheating until you have achieved your desired temperature and the dahl has reheated properly.
6. Remove the water if you added any, and serve.

Do you know what else you can reheat in a microwave? Sandwiches! Click here to find out how!

How to reheat dahl on the stove?

You can use a stove to reheat your dahl just fine. However, the procedure differs slightly for plain and saucy dahl. Here’s what you need to do when you’re reheating either of them:

Plain dahl

1. Fill half of the pan with cold water, then add the lentils.
2. Bring the water to a boil, which should take a few minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the water begins to boil and drain immediately.

And you’re good to go! Enjoy your perfectly reheated dahl!

Saucy dahl

1. Place the lentils in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Allow for a maximum of five minutes of simmering time for your sauce. If you don’t stir the lentils while they’re reheating, they’ll stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. You may serve and consume your lentils as soon as they are boiling hot.

Like dahl, Japanese curry is also a gravy that can be reheated! Learn more.

Can you reheat dahl twice?

Yes, you can reheat it twice, but it is not considered a good idea because it will degrade the taste and quality of your dahl. Lentils are small and delicate, and reheating them more than once will degrade their quality. Reheating twice also gives bacteria twice as much time and opportunity to develop in your food.

Important tips on reheating dahl

Reheating dahl is not hard, but a few tips to consider when doing so may make the process easier and yield better results. 

Don’t heat them for too long

It is important to avoid overheating lentils that have previously been cooked, as they can easily become mushy. After 2 minutes in the microwave and no more than 5 minutes on the stovetop, your lentils should be ready to eat.

Defrost before reheating

If you’ve frozen your lentils to keep them fresh, defrost them first. This keeps them from becoming mushy, which can happen when ice crystals form on the lentils while they’re frozen.

How long do cooked lentils last?

Room temperature: Lentils can only last up to 2 hours as the bacteria thrive quickly at temperatures ranging from 40 to 140°F.

Refrigerator: They can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer: They can last up to 3-6 months in the freezer, but we suggest using them within 3 months of freezing.

How to store cooked lentils?

Cooked lentils should be covered and refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Cooked dried lentils can be covered and kept in the fridge for 5-7 days and for up to 6 months in the freezer. Make sure you use freezer-safe bags or airtight containers to store your dahl in the freezer.

Can you freeze lentils?

Yes, you can. If stored properly, they will keep well in the freezer for 3-6 months. Here are the steps to properly freeze lentils:

1. Drain out any excess liquid from your cooked lentils so that they don’t get mushy in the freezer.
2. Let the strained lentils dry on a kitchen towel.
3. Once cool, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or a freezer-safe airtight container.
4. Place the lid on, label the date, and freeze.

How to thaw frozen lentils?

Remove them from the freezer and then set them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to thoroughly thaw. You can also thaw them in the microwave. 

Can reheating lentils cause food poisoning?

Food poisoning is unlikely to occur from lentils as cooking them tends to kill potential bacteria. However, it is possible that some bacteria survive.

Related FAQs to reheating dahl!

Can you eat dahl cold?

Yes, you can! The dahl will thicken as it sits in the refrigerator, allowing you to consume it cold as a wrap filler or a salad topper.

Can you freeze dahl with coconut milk?

Coconut milk does not freeze well. Make the dahl without the coconut milk, and then add it in once it has been frozen and thawed. You wouldn’t want your dahl to leak all over your freezer, so make sure you freeze it in good-quality, thick freezer bags.

Concluding our thoughts on reheating dahl!

You can make a big batch of dahl now that you know how to freeze, defrost, and reheat it without worrying. Just remember the important tips we mentioned above, and you’re good to go!

We hope this step-by-step guide for reheating dahl answers all your queries! Get cooking, storing, and reheating your favorite dahl now!

Here is another article on reheating. Read this article to learn the best ways to reheat mussels!