Simmered Kenyan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

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

A comforting, hearty stew of red lentils and sweet potatoes gently simmered with Kenyan-inspired spices and fresh spinach. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, rinsed, spinach leaves, roughly chopped, medium onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, stirring to coat the onion mixture for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1.5 cups diced sweet potato, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3 cups chopped spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and finish with 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot with flatbread or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Kenyan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach 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 Simmered Kenyan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

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 red lentils, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Kenyan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

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 Simmered Kenyan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach 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 Simmered Kenyan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach 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.

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