Stovetop Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
A vibrant, plant-powered curry simmered with earthy lentils and sweet potatoes, infused with warming spices and coconut milk. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, small, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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, rinsed brown lentils
- 2 medium, peeled and diced 1/2-inch sweet potatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 small, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, diced, and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tsp curry powder, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 can coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and potatoes are soft.
- Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry 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 Stovetop Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry?
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 rinsed brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry?
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 Stovetop Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry 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 Stovetop Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
