One-Pot Red Lentil and Kale Stew with Smoked Paprika
A hearty, one-pot stew simmered with earthy red lentils, nutrient-rich kale, and a hint of smoked paprika for depth. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs rinsed red lentils, low-sodium vegetable broth, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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 red lentils
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium, diced into 1/4-inch pieces carrot
- 1 stalk, diced into 1/4-inch pieces celery
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups, stems removed and chopped kale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 medium diced carrot, 1 stalk diced celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups chopped kale and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then simmer for 5 more minutes until lentils are tender and kale is wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Red Lentil and Kale Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Red Lentil and Kale 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 rinsed red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Red Lentil and Kale 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 Red Lentil and Kale 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 Red Lentil and Kale 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
