Smoky Kale & Lentil Soup

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

A deeply flavorful vegan soup packed with fiber-rich lentils, smoky paprika, and hearty kale for a comforting bowl that’s ready in 40 minutes. This Mediterranean-inspired soup recipe (vegan), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs lentils, kale, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 1 diced onion and 1 diced carrot, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils and 1 can diced tomatoes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes until wilted and bright green.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Kale & Lentil Soup 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 Smoky Kale & Lentil Soup?

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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Kale & Lentil Soup?

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 Smoky Kale & Lentil Soup 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 Smoky Kale & Lentil Soup vegan?

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

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