Smoky Paprika-Spiced Lentil Soup
A hearty, earthy soup simmered with smoked paprika and garden vegetables for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs brown lentils, chicken broth, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 brown lentils
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced carrots and 1/2 cup diced celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and the spices bloom.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup brown lentils, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 can diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Paprika-Spiced 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 Paprika-Spiced 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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Paprika-Spiced 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 Paprika-Spiced 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 Paprika-Spiced Lentil Soup 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
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
