Curried Sweet Potato Lentil

Featured in: Warm Spiced Dinners

This hearty stew brings together tender sweet potatoes and wholesome lentils simmered in fragrant curry spices. With sauteed onions, garlic, and fresh ginger, it delivers warm, aromatic flavors. Rich vegetable broth and coconut milk create a creamy texture while smoked paprika and cumin add depth. Ideal for a cozy meal, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and simple to prepare in under an hour. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges to brighten the dish.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:48:00 GMT
Hearty Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew served with fresh cilantro and lemon.  Save to Pins
Hearty Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew served with fresh cilantro and lemon. | spicra.com

A hearty, warming stew featuring tender sweet potatoes, wholesome lentils, and aromatic curry spices, perfect for a cozy meal.

This stew quickly became a family favorite during chilly evenings thanks to its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 500 g), 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 carrots peeled and sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger grated, 1 red bell pepper chopped, 200 g (about 1 cup) canned diced tomatoes
  • Legumes: 200 g (1 cup) dried red lentils rinsed
  • Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth, 200 ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), Salt and black pepper, to taste, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro chopped, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add the garlic, ginger, and spices (curry powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 4:
Add the lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Step 5:
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
Step 6:
Stir in the coconut milk and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken.
Step 7:
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges if desired.
Aromatic Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew simmering in a rich coconut broth.  Save to Pins
Aromatic Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew simmering in a rich coconut broth. | spicra.com

Preparing this stew brings back fond memories of sharing hearty dinners with loved ones on cold winter nights.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, chopping board and knife, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains coconut which may be an allergen for some. Ensure all ingredients are free from cross-contamination if you have gluten sensitivity.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving: 380 calories, 9 g total fat, 61 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein

Vegan Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew bursting with flavor and vibrant colors. Save to Pins
Vegan Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew bursting with flavor and vibrant colors. | spicra.com

Enjoy this stew as a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Questions & Answers

How can I adjust the spice level?

You can increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred heat level.

Can I add other proteins to this dish?

Adding canned chickpeas alongside lentils boosts protein and adds extra texture.

What is the best way to serve this stew?

Serve hot over steamed rice or with naan bread for a filling meal.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving.

Are there any common allergens in this dish?

This dish contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some individuals. It’s gluten-free but always verify broth and spice labels.

Curried Sweet Potato Lentil

Tender sweet potatoes, lentils, and spices combine for a hearty, comforting meal with rich flavors.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Warm Spiced Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 17.6 oz)
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated
06 1 red bell pepper, chopped
07 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (about 7 oz)

Legumes

01 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed

Liquids

01 3 cups vegetable broth
02 3/4 cup coconut milk

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons curry powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste
08 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lemon wedges

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate Vegetables: Add diced sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 04

Combine Lentils and Liquids: Add rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 05

Simmer Stew: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Finish with Coconut Milk: Stir in coconut milk and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the stew.

Step 07

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges if desired.

Necessary Tools

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains coconut, which may trigger tree nut allergies.
  • Gluten-free, but verify broth and spice labels to avoid contamination.

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 380
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Proteins: 13 g