Answer

Yes, you can soak chole at 3am.

From a Jain food-practice perspective, the main consideration is not the clock time alone, but whether it is done with proper awareness, cleanliness, and within the food discipline followed in your family or sampradaya.

Explanation

If you follow strict Jain practices:

• Soaking should ideally be done during proper waking hours with awareness, not casually or carelessly.
• Use clean water and clean utensils.
• Do not keep soaked chole for too long, as fermentation and growth of microorganisms may increase over time.
• If your family follows rules about avoiding food preparation before sunrise or during certain times, follow that tradition.

If you are asking practically: soaking chole at 3am so it can be cooked later the same day is generally fine, provided it is handled cleanly and cooked within a reasonable time.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, food discipline is connected with ahimsa, carefulness, and reducing harm to living beings. The goal is to prepare and consume food with purity, restraint, and awareness.

Takeaway

Yes, you may soak chole at 3am, but do it cleanly, consciously, and according to the Jain food rules your household follows.