Hearty Lentil Sweet Potato

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This hearty dish combines tender red lentils and diced sweet potatoes simmered in a fragrant blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Onions, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and tomato enhance the rich flavors, while coconut milk adds creamy depth. A handful of fresh spinach wilts into the curry near the end for added freshness. Seasoned with lime juice and finished with chopped cilantro, it makes a comforting and vibrant meal perfect served alongside rice or naan.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:01:00 GMT
Hearty lentil and sweet potato curry simmered in rich coconut milk and spices. Save to Pinterest
Hearty lentil and sweet potato curry simmered in rich coconut milk and spices. | messlitreats.com

A warming, wholesome curry featuring tender lentils and sweet potatoes simmered in aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

This curry has become a family favorite, warming us on chilly evenings with its rich flavors and comforting texture.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 400 g), 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger grated, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 large tomato chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes), 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach washed
  • Lentils: 200 g (1 cup) dried red lentils rinsed
  • Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth, 400 ml (1 can) coconut milk
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste, Juice of 1 lime
  • To Serve: Fresh cilantro chopped, Cooked rice or naan bread (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté onion for 3 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add garlic and ginger cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in curry powder cumin coriander turmeric and chili flakes. Toast for 30 seconds.
Step 4:
Add sweet potatoes bell pepper and tomato. Stir to coat with the spices.
Step 5:
Pour in the rinsed lentils vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil.
Step 6:
Reduce heat cover and simmer for 25 30 minutes stirring occasionally until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 7:
Add spinach and cook for another 2 3 minutes until wilted.
Step 8:
Season with salt pepper and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 9:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
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| messlitreats.com

This recipe brings our family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying every bite of this hearty curry.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains coconut (tree nut) Gluten-free and dairy-free Always check broth and spice labels for hidden allergens if needed

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 14 g

Colorful bowl of hearty lentil and sweet potato curry with fresh cilantro garnish. Save to Pinterest
Colorful bowl of hearty lentil and sweet potato curry with fresh cilantro garnish. | messlitreats.com

This lentil curry is easy to customize and makes a perfect meal any night of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

Can this dish be made spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers to adjust the heat to your preference.

What can be served alongside this curry?

Traditionally, this curry pairs well with steamed rice or naan bread to complement its rich flavors.

How do I know when the lentils and sweet potatoes are cooked?

They should be tender when pierced with a fork, usually after simmering for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like chickpeas, carrots, or peas can be included for extra texture and nutrition.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavors deepen when reheated.

Hearty Lentil Sweet Potato

Wholesome lentils and sweet potatoes simmered with fragrant spices for a warming, comforting dish.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Duration
40 min
Overall Duration
55 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin Indian-inspired

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free from Gluten

List of Ingredients

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 14 oz)
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated
05 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
07 3.5 oz baby spinach, washed

Lentils

01 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed

Liquids

01 3 cups vegetable broth
02 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons curry powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon ground coriander
04 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
05 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste
07 Juice of 1 lime

To Serve

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Cooked rice or naan bread (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 04

Incorporate Vegetables: Add diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and tomato. Stir to evenly coat with the spices.

Step 05

Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 06

Simmer the Curry: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 07

Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 08

Season and Finish: Season with salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 09

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan bread if desired.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains coconut (tree nut).

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 14 g