One-Pot Lentil and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika
A hearty, warming stew combining earthy lentils and fresh spinach, enriched with smoky paprika and garlic, perfect for a quick, nourishing meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs dry green lentils, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry green lentils
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (about 150g) yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp cumin powder to the pot, stirring for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup dry green lentils and 4 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the stew thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lentil and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 One-Pot Lentil and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 dry green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lentil and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 One-Pot Lentil and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 One-Pot Lentil and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now a staple in my kitchen! So simple and healthy, and the smoked paprika gives it that Mediterranean feel.
- ★★★★★
This stew is a perfect weeknight meal! The smoked paprika really shines and the spinach adds a nice touch. My family loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Loved it! The only thing I'd change is adding more vegetables, but it's already a great base.
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