How to Create Hearty Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry: A Simple Recipe for Everyone
Lentil and sweet potato curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or cozy evenings at home. It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and warm flavors that will leave you satisfied and happy. The best part? It’s easy to make! In this blog, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to create your very own hearty lentil and sweet potato curry. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Before we start, let’s go over the ingredients for this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried lentils (any type: green, red, or brown)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 can of coconut milk (about 400ml)
- 2 large tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
- 3 cups of vegetable stock or water
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Gather and Prepare your Ingredients
To make cooking easier, start by gathering all your ingredients in one place. Peel and dice the sweet potato into small cubes so it cooks faster. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Measure out your spices and lentils. If you’re using dried lentils, rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or debris. You’re now ready to cook!
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 10 seconds—this releases their aroma and flavor.
Next, add the chopped onion. Stir and cook the onion for 4–5 minutes until it turns soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Stir again and cook for another minute. The combination of onion, garlic, ginger, and cumin seeds creates the hearty base of the curry.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of garam masala (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or paprika. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices—they should be nice and fragrant.
Add the tomatoes to the pot. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces; if using canned tomatoes, pour them straight in. Stir and cook the tomato mixture for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This forms a flavorful curry base.
Step 4: Add Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, and Liquid
Pour the rinsed lentils into the pot along with the diced sweet potatoes. Stir them into the curry base to coat them with the spices.
Next, pour in 3 cups of vegetable stock or water. Stir to combine everything and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the curry simmer for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the lentils to soften and absorb the flavors, while the sweet potatoes become tender and creamy.
Step 5: Add Coconut Milk
When the lentils and sweet potatoes are almost fully cooked, pour in the can of coconut milk. Stir it into the curry and let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes. The coconut milk adds richness, creaminess, and balances out the spices.
Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or chili powder if needed. If the curry is too thick, you can add a small splash of water or stock to loosen it.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the curry is smooth and hearty, remove the pot from heat. Your lentil and sweet potato curry is ready to be served!
Spoon the curry into bowls or serve it over cooked rice, quinoa, or flatbreads like naan or roti. For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
Why You’ll Love This Curry
This hearty curry is completely vegan, making it great for plant-based diets. It’s also packed with nutrients from the lentils (protein and fiber) and sweet potatoes (vitamins A and C). Plus, it’s an inexpensive dish that’s easy to customize—swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash, add spinach for greens, or use chickpeas if you’re out of lentils.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—a simple, flavorful lentil and sweet potato curry recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a kitchen pro, this comforting dish is easy to make and satisfying every time. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Happy cooking! 😊
