Savory Lentil & Rosemary Stew with Smoked Paprika
A deeply comforting vegetarian stew featuring slow-simmered red lentils and wild rosemary, finished with a smoky paprika kick for an authentic Provençal countryside meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, vegetable broth, carrots 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. 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 red lentils
- 400ml vegetable broth
- 2 (diced) carrots
- 1 (finely chopped) onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 diced carrots, 1 cup red lentils, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes until vegetables are coated.
- Step 3: Pour in 400ml vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover; cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and broth has thickened.
- Step 4: Remove thyme sprigs, stir in 2 tbsp fresh rosemary and 1 tbsp lemon juice, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until flavors meld.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper, and serve hot with a final sprinkle of rosemary.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Savory Lentil & Rosemary Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Savory Lentil & Rosemary 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 red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Lentil & Rosemary 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 Savory Lentil & Rosemary 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.
What goes well with Savory Lentil & Rosemary Stew with Smoked Paprika?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
