Slow-Simmered Red Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika
Earthy red lentils cooked low and slow with smoked paprika and carrots for a deeply flavorful, protein-rich bowl. This indian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs red lentils, medium carrots, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 medium diced carrots, 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh cilantro just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Red Lentil 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 Slow-Simmered Red Lentil 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 Slow-Simmered Red Lentil 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 Slow-Simmered Red Lentil 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 Slow-Simmered Red Lentil 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
