Do cooked lentils go bad if not refrigerated?

I am considered bringing a cooked lentil dish (a dal) along on a 4 hour car trip. Ideally, I’d like to put it in the cooler, but unfortunately the cooler will be filled with other foodstuffs that are truly perishable. I know that food should not be left out for more than 2 hours else you risk illness, but is this really true for lentils?

When I specifically ask google this question, I get the standard 2 hour response. However, I have a recipe for lentil soup that calls for the cook to turn off the heat, let the dish cool to room temperature, then let it stand at room temperature for 4-6 hours. I have actually made this recipe quite a few times and never had any problems. I can’t imagine there is something special about that particular soup recipe. It has a lot of onions, but otherwise it is pretty simple. Nothing else in it that would “preserve” the lentils in any way.

So?

You can't borrow another container/cooler whatever to put ice packs in to transport it?

You can pick up a cheap styrofoam cooler at dollar tree, just for the lentils. I would it them without the cooler, but some people would not, so I think buying a cheap cooler would help, or even one of those hot.cold shopping bags for a dollar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

You can't borrow another container/cooler whatever to put ice packs in to transport it?

We actually have another cooler, but it’s not going to fit in our car. I mean with all the other stuff. Obviously, if the car were empty ...

I’m going to risk it. I promise I’ll check back in if we get food poisoning...

Those insulated bags at dollar tree only cost a dollar & won't take up much more room than the dish itself. I guess you will be Ok no keeping it cool, , as long as people don't see you unload lol

I've had my car crammed but hard to believe you won't get a cheap insulated bag and find room for it and would rather risk fool spoilage - too each his/her own I guess.

your lentils will be fine. People worry too much about non-refrigerated food. I routinely leave leftovers on the counter overnight to eat the following day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill_Schramm

I am considered bringing a cooked lentil dish (a dal) along on a 4 hour car trip. Ideally, I’d like to put it in the cooler, but unfortunately the cooler will be filled with other foodstuffs that are truly perishable. I know that food should not be left out for more than 2 hours else you risk illness, but is this really true for lentils?

When I specifically ask google this question, I get the standard 2 hour response. However, I have a recipe for lentil soup that calls for the cook to turn off the heat, let the dish cool to room temperature, then let it stand at room temperature for 4-6 hours. I have actually made this recipe quite a few times and never had any problems. I can’t imagine there is something special about that particular soup recipe. It has a lot of onions, but otherwise it is pretty simple. Nothing else in it that would “preserve” the lentils in any way.

So?

I think you should eat those lentils after 4 hours (probably longer) off ice, just for the sake of science. Make sure to appoint someone who doesn't eat them, to report to us, about the results.

They'll be just fine.
If you are really concerned, freeze them beforehand.