Spiced Lentil and Kale Soup
Hearty soup with earthy lentils, tender kale, and warm spices, perfect for chilly days. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs brown lentils, kale, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1/2 cup brown lentils
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup diced carrots, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and stir for 1 minute. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup brown lentils.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 25 minutes. Stir in 2 cups chopped kale and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until kale is tender but still vibrant green.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lentil and Kale Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Kale 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 Spiced Lentil and Kale 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 Spiced Lentil and Kale Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Kale Soup?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Perfect soups recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
