Do you need to rinse lentils before use them in soup?

It's generally recommended to rinse lentils before using them in soup. Here's why:

* Removes debris: Lentils are often coated in dust, dirt, or small pebbles from their journey from farm to store. Rinsing helps remove these impurities.

* Improves texture: Rinsing helps wash away any starch that might make the lentils become mushy during cooking.

* Reduces cooking time: Rinsing helps to remove some of the outer layer of the lentil, which can slightly reduce cooking time.

However, it's not strictly necessary. If you're confident about the lentils' cleanliness and prefer to save time, you can skip rinsing.

Here's a simple guide:

* Rinsing is recommended: If you're using lentils from a bulk bin, or if you're unsure about their cleanliness.

* Rinsing is optional: If you're using pre-packaged lentils from a reputable brand.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you! 😊