Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup with Smoked Paprika

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

A deeply comforting soup with earthy lentils and smoky spice, perfect for chilly evenings. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs green lentils, vegetable broth, onion 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup 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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup 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 Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup 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 Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup 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

Related recipes