The Best Lentil Soup with Paprika & Kale Recipe for Cozy Nights

Fragrant spices dance through this hearty lentil soup, promising warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired such a delightful blend of earthy ingredients.

Rich paprika swirls create a deep, smoky undertone that awakens hungry senses.

Tender kale adds vibrant green complexity and nutritional power to the recipe.

Nutritionists would absolutely adore this nourishing combination of proteins and greens.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making preparation a joyful culinary experience.

Each bowl tells a story of rustic, wholesome cooking that connects you to traditional flavors.

Savor this soul-satisfying soup and let its robust character transport you to a cozy kitchen.

FAQs

• What makes lentils a healthy ingredient in this soup?

Lentils are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. They help improve digestion, support heart health, and provide sustained energy without adding many calories.

• Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute green, brown, or red lentils. Each variety has a slightly different texture and cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Green and brown lentils hold their shape better, while red lentils tend to break down more quickly.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Absolutely. The recipe is completely plant-based, using vegetable broth and nutritious ingredients like kale, lentils, and vegetables. It’s a hearty, protein-rich meal that meets both vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Consider adding cooked quinoa, additional beans, or topping with roasted nuts like almonds or pumpkin seeds. These additions can boost the protein content and provide extra texture to the soup.

Lentil Soup With Paprika And Kale That Packs A Nutrient Punch

• Unbelievably Quick Meal: Whip up this hearty lentil soup in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich lentils, fiber-dense kale, and vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers incredible nutrition in every spoonful.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping kale for spinach, adjusting spices, or adding your favorite protein to make it uniquely yours.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With simple one-pot preparation and straightforward cooking steps, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Lentil Soup with Paprika & Kale Mix

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and building flavor base.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Foundational aromatic vegetables for soup depth and nutrition.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Kale: Nutritious leafy green that provides texture and earthy taste.

• Lentils: Primary protein source with hearty texture and nutritional value.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates soup base and adds additional savory depth.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and rich background flavor.

• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Complex spice blend for warm and layered taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor.

How to Prepare Lentil Soup with Paprika & Kale

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and celery, allowing them to dance and soften for 5-6 minutes.

Add minced garlic and let its fragrance bloom for another 1-2 minutes.

• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 2: Introduce Hearty Ingredients

Fold in diced carrots, coating them with the spice mixture.

Add lentils and diced tomatoes, mixing everything to create a colorful blend.

The vegetables will start to mingle and release their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Let the Soup Simmer and Develop

Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pot.

Let the soup bubble away for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Skim off any foam that appears on the surface to keep the soup clean and smooth.

Step 4: Create Texture through Blending

Grab an immersion blender and give the soup a few quick pulses.

The goal is to create a slightly creamy texture without turning it completely smooth.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer about ⅓ of the soup to a countertop blender, pulse, and return to the pot.

Step 5: Finish with Vibrant Kale

Stir in chopped kale and let it cook for 3 minutes until tender and bright green.

If the soup seems too thick, splash in some extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that celebrates wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors.

Lentil Soup Tips With Paprika Infusion

• Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy yet chunky consistency that adds depth and interest to every spoonful.
• Toast spices like cumin and smoked paprika in the oil before adding vegetables to release their essential oils and maximize their aromatic potential.
• Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations while maintaining the soup's wholesome character.
• Keep extra vegetable broth on hand to adjust consistency, ensuring the soup is never too thick or too thin for perfect comfort food texture.
• Include cooked quinoa or diced tofu as optional mix-ins to transform this lentil soup into a more substantial, protein-packed meal option.

Best Way to Warm Lentil Soup with Paprika & Kale

• Store leftover lentil soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 3-4 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth to restore original consistency, ensuring even heating throughout.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Herb Picks For Lentil Kale Soup

• Sip Perfectly Paired Red Wine: Bold Spanish Tempranillo complements the earthy lentils and smoky paprika, creating a robust flavor profile that enhances every spoonful of the hearty soup.
• Crunch Rustic Sourdough Bread: Crusty, tangy sourdough provides the ideal textural contrast, helping to soak up the rich, spiced broth while adding a delightful crispy element to each bite.
• Sprinkle Creamy Goat Cheese: Tangy, soft goat cheese crumbles add a luxurious creaminess that balances the soup's warmth, cutting through the smoky spices and providing a cool, smooth counterpoint.
• Garnish Fresh Herb Gremolata: Bright, zesty lemon-herb mixture with chopped parsley and lemon zest adds a fresh, vibrant layer that lifts the soup's deep, earthy flavors and provides a light, aromatic finish.

Lentil Soup with Kale Options

• Protein Power Boost: Replace lentils with quinoa for added protein and create a gluten-free alternative that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegan Creamy Version: Stir in coconut milk at the end for a rich, creamy texture and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone without dairy.
• Mediterranean Style: Include diced zucchini, swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired interpretation.

Lentil Soup with Paprika & Kale Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty lentil soup with paprika & kale brings warmth from Mediterranean kitchens, blending earthy legumes with smoky spice. Comforting layers of kale and rich broth invite you to savor each spoonful of this nourishing culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried green lentils, rinsed
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) vegetable broth, plus more as needed
• 3 cups (85 grams) chopped kale
• 1 (14-ounce or 400 grams) can diced tomatoes

Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by warming olive oil in a robust Dutch oven, introducing diced onion and celery. Gently sauté until the vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to bloom momentarily, then sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant spice profile.
3. Introduce diced carrots to the aromatic mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the spice blend. Fold in lentils and diced tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, seasoning once more with salt and pepper. Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and allow the soup to develop depth, stirring periodically and skimming any foam that surfaces.
5. Transform the soup’s texture by utilizing an immersion blender to partially puree, creating a rustic, slightly chunky consistency. Alternatively, extract a portion of the soup and blend in a countertop blender before reintegrating.
6. Delicately fold chopped kale into the simmering liquid, allowing it to wilt and become tender. Adjust the soup’s viscosity by incorporating additional broth if needed, and fine-tune the seasoning to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
7. Ladle the aromatic, nutrient-rich soup into waiting bowls, ready to warm and nourish.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika and cumin for personal heat preference.
• Optimize texture by partially blending soup, creating a rustic, hearty consistency with some whole lentils remaining.
• Enhance nutritional value by using different leafy greens like Swiss chard or spinach as kale alternatives.
• Boost protein content by adding cooked quinoa or diced tofu for vegetarian and vegan diet adaptations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg