Creamy Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

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

A smooth, protein-rich soup made with sweet potatoes, lentils, and aromatic spices, ideal for toddlers needing gentle nourishment. This soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs sweet potatoes, green lentils, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 International cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium onion and 1 medium carrot into 1/4-inch cubes. Peel and cube 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, sauté the onion and carrot in 1 tbsp oil over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened. Add 1 tsp cumin and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup green lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and the sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils and potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk, then blend the soup using an immersion blender or in batches until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Creamy Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup?

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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup?

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 Creamy Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup 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 Creamy Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup vegetarian?

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

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