Coconut Lemongrass Vegan Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and creamy coconut curry infused with fresh lemongrass, tender sweet potatoes, and hearty chickpeas, perfect for a warming vegan meal. This thai-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes pairs coconut oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 bruised and chopped stalks of fresh lemongrass, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder and 2 tbsp red curry paste, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk, and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and curry thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove lemongrass stalks, stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve the curry hot over 2 cups cooked basmati rice for a satisfying vegan meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Lemongrass Vegan Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas 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 Coconut Lemongrass Vegan Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas?

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 coconut oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Lemongrass Vegan Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas?

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 Coconut Lemongrass Vegan Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Coconut Lemongrass Vegan Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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