Smoked Paprika Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, spice-packed chili featuring earthy lentils, sweet potatoes, and a smoky kick—perfect for cool evenings while staying Whole30 compliant. This american-inspired whole30 (dairy-free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, medium, peeled and diced sweet potato, (14.5 oz), drained diced tomatoes 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and the spices are toasted.
  3. Step 3: Add the rinsed lentils, diced sweet potato, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken bone broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp sea salt and adjust spices to taste, ensuring the chili is well-balanced and the flavors are deepened.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Paprika Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Smoked Paprika Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili?

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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Paprika Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili?

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 Smoked Paprika Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili 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 Smoked Paprika Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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