Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
A hearty, aromatic stew with earthy lentils, sweet potatoes, and warm curry spices, ideal for chilly evenings. This indian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, sweet potatoes, curry powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed brown lentils
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups, packed spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 2 tsp curry powder, and 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 2 medium diced sweet potatoes. Cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk and 2 cups packed spinach. Simmer for 5 more minutes until spinach wilts and the stew thickens slightly, stirring until the spinach is fully incorporated and the curry flavor is well-balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 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 Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew?
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 Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew 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.
