Harissa-Infused Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
A warming stew with earthy lentils, sweet potatoes, and a hint of North African spice. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, medium diced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 brown lentils
- 16 oz peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 1 medium diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 cups chopped kale
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté onion in a large pot over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil until translucent (5 minutes). Add garlic, harissa, cumin, and paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add lentils, sweet potatoes, broth, tomatoes (with juice), and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 25 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 3: Stir in kale and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Infused 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 Harissa-Infused 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 Harissa-Infused 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 Harissa-Infused 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 Harissa-Infused 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A wonderful recipe, especially for vegetarians. The harissa gave it that extra zing I love.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a chilly evening. The sweet potatoes were creamy and the lentils cooked to perfection.
- ★★★★★
The harissa really elevated the stew! My whole family devoured it.
