Diablo Spiced Lentil Soup
A robust lentil soup infused with warm spices and smoky flavors, perfect for a nourishing and flavorful vegan meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, rinsed, olive oil, large yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, and 6 cups vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender. Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Diablo Spiced Lentil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Diablo Spiced Lentil Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown lentils, rinsed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Diablo Spiced Lentil Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Diablo Spiced Lentil Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Diablo Spiced Lentil Soup vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
