Indian Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A hearty Indian stew combining lentils, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a cozy meal. This indian-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs lentils, medium sweet potatoes, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup onions
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1.5 cups rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup onions, diced into 1/4-inch cubes, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tbsp ginger, grated, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Tip: Cook onions first to build a flavorful base for the stew.
2. Step 2: Add 1 cup lentils, rinsed and drained, and stir to coat in the oil. Add 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes, and 2 tomatoes, chopped. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp garam masala, stirring to combine. Tip: Add spices early to infuse the lentils and vegetables with depth of flavor.
3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups water (or vegetable broth) and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the stew thickens slightly. Tip: Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent the lentils from becoming mushy.
4. Step 4: In a separate pot, rinse 1.5 cups rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice and 3 cups water (or broth), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Tip: Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
5. Step 5: Serve the stew hot, spooned over the steamed rice. Garnish with additional garam masala and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Tip: For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup plain yogurt just before serving.