Yes, you can put hot food in the fridge, and you do not need to leave it out for hours first. The smarter move is to cool it quickly in shallow portions.
Can you put hot food in the fridge?
TL;DR
Yes. Hot food can go in the fridge, but big pots should be divided into smaller containers first.
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Large, deep containers hold heat for a long time. Dividing food into shallow containers helps it cool faster and more evenly.
You can leave very hot food uncovered for a short moment so steam escapes, but do not let it sit out for hours. The goal is fast, safe cooling.
Give containers a little space in the fridge so cold air can move around them.
Putting hot food in the fridge is fine when you portion it well and cool it promptly.
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