Miso-Infused Lentil Soup with Kale

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty, umami-rich soup with protein-packed lentils, tender kale, and a savory miso finish. This japanese-inspired soups (vegan, high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs lentils, carrots, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Japanese cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, cooking for 8 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Stir in rinsed lentils and dashi stock, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped kale to the pot and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until kale is wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove soup from heat. Stir in miso paste until fully dissolved, then serve immediately. Do not boil after adding miso as it will lose its delicate flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Infused Lentil Soup with Kale take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Miso-Infused Lentil Soup with Kale?

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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Infused Lentil Soup with Kale?

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 Miso-Infused Lentil Soup with Kale for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Miso-Infused Lentil Soup with Kale vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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