Velvety Coconut and Turmeric Curry with Sweet Potatoes

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

A comforting curry featuring tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich coconut milk and turmeric sauce with warming spices. This indian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs coconut oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to the saucepan and stir to coat evenly with the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk and 1 cup vegetable broth, then season with 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve the curry hot over 1 cup cooked basmati rice for a satisfying meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Velvety Coconut and Turmeric Curry with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Velvety Coconut and Turmeric Curry 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 coconut oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Velvety Coconut and Turmeric Curry 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 Velvety Coconut and Turmeric Curry 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 Velvety Coconut and Turmeric Curry with Sweet Potatoes vegan?

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

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