Savory Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A comforting, one-pot stew featuring earthy lentils and sweet potatoes simmered in a fragrant coconut milk curry base. This indian-inspired one pot (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown lentils, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, medium, finely chopped 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup brown lentils and 2 medium peeled, diced sweet potatoes (1/2-inch cubes), stirring to coat. Cook for 3 minutes until lentils begin to soften.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp curry powder. Sauté for 4 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice), and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring once, until sweet potatoes are tender and lentils are fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Savory Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Savory Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Savory Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Savory Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes vegetarian?

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

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