Insulin-Boosting Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

A hearty and comforting stew featuring sweet potatoes and lentils enriched with warming spices, inspired by Dorothy Hodgkin’s insulin structure research. This indian-inspired french (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs red lentils, medium, peeled and diced sweet potato, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 medium, peeled and diced sweet potato
• 1 large, diced onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, grated ginger root
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup red lentils, 2 diced medium sweet potatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup coconut milk and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until stew thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.