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Home | Recipes | Sweet Potato Curry

Sweet Potato Curry

Published on March 15, 2023 by Stephanie Kay

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Made with coconut milk, red lentils, and spinach, and ready in less than 30 minutes, this one-pot sweet potato curry is full of flavor, while being quick and easy to prepare. Not to mention, it’s a well-balanced meal that is packed full of fiber and vegetarian protein and makes great leftovers too!

Bowl of rice with sweet potato curry on top and a sprinkle of cilantro

It’s no secret that I love curry, as I shared many recipes on the blog before. From chickpeas to lentils and Thai to Indian, I’m always looking to try different styles of curry. This particular recipe was inspired by pantry items and is a bit of a cross between an Indian curry and a dal.

Dal, sometimes spelled dhal, dahl, and daal, is both an ingredient and a dish; it is the term used for dried split peas or lentils and is also the term used for a thick lentil soup very common in Indian cuisine. The dal inspiration is what influenced the heavy use of lentils, along with the sweet potatoes, in this recipe. Not only are lentils easy to cook with but they are a wonderful source of fiber and a good source of vegetarian protein, which helps to make this quick and easy curry a more well-balanced meal.

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While I’ve been enjoying this dish for dinner, it works equally well for lunch, and it keeps very so it makes a wonderful meal prep idea. Just whip up a batch of this spinach lentil sweet potato curry tonight, store it in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have hearty and healthy vegetarian meals ready to go whenever you need them.

Ingredients for sweet potato curry; broth, garlic, ginger, coconut oil, coconut milk, red lentils, onion, turmeric, curry powder, cumin, salt, spinach, sweet potato

What You’ll Need

You’ll need the following ingredients for this sweet potato curry recipe:

  • Sweet Potatoes: You can add them peeled or unpeeled, it’s completely up to you!
  • Lentils: While you can technically use any color, the texture and flavor of red lentils work best.
  • Spinach: The recipe calls for fresh spinach, but you can use frozen if needed.
  • Coconut Milk: Be sure to use canned coconut milk, regular or lite is fine.
  • Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work well.
  • Onion: To build a base of flavor.
  • Garlic: To add some fragrance.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger root works best, however, you can use powdered or ground ginger if needed.
  • Spices: Some curry powder, cumin, and turmeric to add flavor and color.

In addition to the above, you’ll need some oil, salt, and black pepper and, if desired, some brown rice or white rice and fresh cilantro to serve.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: No adaptations are needed; the recipe is gluten-free.

To Make it Dairy-Free: No adaptations are needed; the recipe is dairy-free.

To Make it Vegan: Use vegetable broth.

Diced sweet potatoes, red lentils, onion, garlic, ginger and spices in a pan
Lentil and sweet potato mixture with coconut milk and broth in a pan

How to Make Sweet Potato Curry

When I say this one-pot vegetarian curry is easy to make, I mean it, here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Cook the veggies. Begin by cooking the onion, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil until tender.
  2. Add the spices. Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the lentils. Mixing to combine with the onion mixture.
  4. Add the sweet potatoes. Mixing to combine with the lentil mixture.
  5. Add the broth and coconut milk. Add the liquids and stir everything until well combined.
  6. Simmer the curry. Allow the mixture to cook until the lentils are tender and the sweet potato can be pierced with a fork.
  7. Wilt in the spinach. Once the curry is cooked, stir the chopped spinach, and warm for another few milted until it’s wilted and bright green.

Once everything is cooked, the curry be served immediately or cooled and stored in the fridge for later. You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Cooked lentils and sweet potatoes with spinach in a pan
Cooked spinach lentils sweet potato curry in a pan

Red’s Nutrition Tip

This recipe contains a moderate amount of vegetarian protein, however, if you wanted to push the protein content even further, you can serve it with a bit of grilled chicken or grilled steak on top.

Finished sweet potato curry in a pan with cilantro on top and a side of rice

What to Serve With It

While this sweet potato lentil curry is delicious on its own, and I often eat it that way myself, if you’re looking to create larger portions or want to stretch the dish, you can serve it with something to bulk it up a little. I would recommend one of the following.

  • Rice: I think it works best with white rice but brown rice works well too.
  • Flatbread: Such as roti, naan or chapati.
  • Cauliflower Rice: If you want a lower carb or lower calorie option.

To finish the dish, I recommended serving it with some fresh cilantro and some red pepper flakes, if you want a bit more heat.

Side angle shot of sweet potato and lentil curry on rice in a bowl

Storage + Reheating

To Store: Allow the curry to cool completely and then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Once cooled, transfer the curry to airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: For the best results, reheat the curry in a pan on low-medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, it can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. If frozen, allow to thaw it completely before reheating.

More Healthy Curry Recipes:

  • Green Lentil & Spinach Curry
  • Yellow Squash & Chickpea Curry
  • Slow Cooker Beef Curry
  • Chickpea Peanut Curry
  • Red Lentil Tofu Curry
Print
Bowl of rice with sweet potato curry on top and a sprinkle of cilantro

Sweet Potato Curry

Author: Stephanie Kay

Made with red lentils, spinach, and coconut milk, this sweet potato curry recipe is a healthy vegetarian meal that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 1/2 cups red lentils, dry
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
  • 3 cups vegetable broth, chicken broth, or water
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • Cilantro, chopped, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large pot on medium-high heat, warm the coconut oil. Add onions and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for about 1 minute. Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric and salt, and allow to heat for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add lentils and chopped sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the spice mixture.
  4. Cover with coconut milk and broth, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and allow to cook for about 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender and the sweet potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork.
  5. Once tender, add chopped spinach, stir to combine, and simmer until spinach has wilted. At this point, the curry should have thickened and most of the broth absorbed, if not, allow it to simmer for a final 5-10 minutes until the curry is thick and creamy. If you find the curry too thick, simply loosen it up with a bit of additional broth or water. Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt to taste.
  6. Serve curry immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 378 calories
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Fat: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 41 grams
  • Fiber: 7 grams
  • Protein: 14 grams

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    Comments

    1. Jenn Beyak says

      January 11, 2021 at 3:32 pm

      So easy and delicious and loved by the whole family!! I have made this twice now and double the recipe each time, because the leftovers are so good.

      Reply
    2. Roslyn Raquel Guzman says

      September 6, 2021 at 12:26 am

      This sounds amazing! I’m wondering if I could make it with regular potatoes. My picky family hates sweet potatoes whomp whomp

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        September 6, 2021 at 9:31 am

        Absolutely! You could certainly swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes, however, they *may* take a few more minutes to cook depending on the style of white potatoes, so just keep an eye on that. Butternut squash would also work if your family happens to enjoy it. 🙂

        Reply
        • Michael Capoccia says

          August 20, 2023 at 10:04 pm

          I use Japanese sweet potatoes
          They are less sweet about half way between a yellow yam and a russet potato

          I serve w plain rice a mixture of chopped cilantro green onions Greek yogurt and lime juice
          And stir fried carrot and green mixture ( galin and a thin staked bok choy

          Reply
          • Stephanie Kay says

            August 21, 2023 at 7:57 am

            Thanks for sharing!

            Reply
    3. Diane says

      May 2, 2023 at 3:16 pm

      I loved that recipe. Easy and tasty!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        May 3, 2023 at 4:04 pm

        Happy you enjoyed this one, it’s a personal favorite. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Martha says

      May 2, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      Loved this recipe. I use it as one of my staple meals, I have also made it adding chicken.

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        May 3, 2023 at 4:09 pm

        I’m so happy you like it, and love the addition of chicken, great way to add more protein!

        Reply
    5. Jennifer Foster says

      May 2, 2023 at 3:44 pm

      This is a goto recipe for me! Simply love the flavour and all those nutrients!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        May 3, 2023 at 4:14 pm

        I’m so happy you like it, thanks for sharing Jennifer! 🙂

        Reply
    6. SMK says

      June 6, 2023 at 11:30 pm

      I just made this for a gathering of friends who have a number of dietary restrictions and everyone loved it. I doubled it and substituted two cups of diced celery for the onion and garlic and surprisingly didn’t even miss those ingredients. It was nourishing on a night when comfort food was key. I figured I would leave the leftovers for the family hosting the gathering, but the pot was scraped clean! Thank you for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        June 7, 2023 at 8:35 am

        I’m so happy you and your gathering enjoyed it, thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply
    7. Debbie says

      July 25, 2023 at 1:09 pm

      Hi Im allergic to lentils can it be made without?

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        July 25, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Unfortunately not, it’s a primary ingredient in this case.

        Reply
    8. Maria says

      July 31, 2023 at 4:05 pm

      This is delicious! Used green lentils instead of red because my grocery didn’t have them. I soaked them in boiling water first to cut back on cooking time. This is a nourishing, healthy meal.served with white basmati rice.

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        July 31, 2023 at 4:06 pm

        I’m so happy you liked it, and thank you for sharing your substitution!

        Reply
    9. Janet Mayhew says

      September 12, 2023 at 3:06 pm

      I made this sweet potato and lentil curry and it was super easy and delicious! I was able to freeze a few portions and have lunch to take to work for several days. I would definitely make this again!

      Reply
    10. Linda says

      September 12, 2023 at 3:22 pm

      I like all the curry recipes. Healthy and nutritious.

      Reply
    11. Joanne Riddell says

      September 13, 2023 at 7:55 pm

      Included this in our Indian style dinner tonight. It was so easy to make and delicious. Extra is in the freezer for another great meal

      Reply
    12. Bobbie says

      October 15, 2023 at 6:16 am

      This was my first time making curry and it was SO good. Just a heads up, this makes a lot of food so if you’re cooking for two I’d cut it in half or split with friends/neighbors. Delish!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        October 15, 2023 at 8:19 am

        Thank you for sharing, I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    13. Leela says

      January 1, 2024 at 6:23 pm

      This was so flavorful and hearty , tasted like dal my dad made. A wonderful and easy recipe to follow that will be on regular rotation.

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        January 2, 2024 at 7:52 am

        I’m so happy you enjoyed it and hope you continue to. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing, Leela!

        Reply
    14. Anonymous says

      January 2, 2024 at 4:10 pm

      Lovely flavours very filling.

      Reply
    15. Sharon Godsman says

      January 2, 2024 at 4:13 pm

      Lovely and tasty, very filling.

      Reply
    16. Julie says

      January 8, 2024 at 12:50 pm

      Love this! Easy to make.

      Reply
    17. Laura Parisi says

      January 23, 2024 at 10:08 pm

      Delicious and easy to make! What spice would you add to turn up the heat? Would like it a bit hotter/spicier!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        January 26, 2024 at 10:20 am

        Some chili flakes or red pepper flakes would be a good addition to kick up the heat!

        Reply
    18. Julie says

      January 31, 2024 at 9:06 am

      Yummo! Great way to get some high nutrient foods into the belly!! Easy peasy and delish

      Reply
    19. Anonymous says

      February 25, 2024 at 4:32 pm

      Absolutely one of my favourites.I make it often

      Reply
    20. Eileen says

      February 25, 2024 at 4:34 pm

      One of my favourite recipes.
      I make it often

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        February 26, 2024 at 7:27 am

        So happy you like it Eileen, thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    21. Tricia Myers says

      March 30, 2024 at 8:14 am

      So easy to make and tasty! I will definitely be making this again!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        March 30, 2024 at 10:53 am

        I’m so happy you liked it, thank you for sharing, Tricia!

        Reply
    22. Andreea says

      March 26, 2025 at 12:14 am

      I made this and it was amazing! Full of flavour!
      I also want to say that I love the way the recipe is presented on your site, you have all the information someone could need about it.
      Thank you, your work is trully appreciated.

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        March 27, 2025 at 12:34 pm

        Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    Stephanie Kay Nutrition

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