One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A hearty, protein-packed stew simmered with earthy lentils, seasonal vegetables, and a hint of smoked paprika for depth. This one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs green lentils, onion, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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, rinsed green lentils
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2, diced carrots
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups, chopped kale
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 8 minutes until vegetables soften and edges turn golden.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes until wilted and bright green.
5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Let stew rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.