Spiced Lentil and Chorizo Stew with Smoked Paprika

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

A hearty Spanish-inspired stew combining earthy lentils with spicy chorizo and smoky paprika, simmered until thick and comforting. This spanish-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs diced Spanish chorizo sausage, rinsed brown lentils, large (about 8 oz), diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 45 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 5 oz diced Spanish chorizo and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and starts to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils and 4 cups chicken broth to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lentil and Chorizo Stew 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 Spiced Lentil and Chorizo 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 diced spanish chorizo sausage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lentil and Chorizo 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 Spiced Lentil and Chorizo 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.

What goes well with Spiced Lentil and Chorizo Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Spanish soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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