Description
This Sweet Potato Stew combines tender sweet potatoes, green lentils, kale, and creamy coconut milk with fresh ginger, garlic, and warming spices. A splash of lime adds a bright, tangy finish. This hearty, one-pot vegan dinner takes just 50 minutes and makes five satisfying servings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed (approximately 1 bunch)
- 1 lime, juiced (approximately 2 tablespoons), plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, salt, coriander, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed green lentils, cubed sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils become tender and the sweet potatoes soften while maintaining their shape.
- Add the chopped kale and continue simmering for 3 to 4 minutes until the greens soften.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Divide the stew among five serving bowls. Garnish with additional cilantro, lime juice, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
Lentils: Green lentils maintain their shape during cooking. Brown lentils work well too. Red lentils soften more quickly and create a thicker, creamier stew.
Sweet Potatoes: Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and a tender texture. Other sweet potato varieties or yams also work.
Fresh Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger for the brightest flavor.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk creates a rich, creamy broth. Light coconut milk produces a lighter consistency.
Non-Vegan Options: Replace coconut milk with heavy cream or vegetable broth with chicken broth if desired.
Leafy Greens: Substitute baby spinach or other tender leafy greens for kale.
Spice Level: Add extra red pepper flakes or garnish with chili crisp oil for additional heat.
Cooking Tip: Check the lentils and sweet potatoes after approximately 25 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Firmer Sweet Potatoes: Add the sweet potato cubes about five minutes after adding the lentils.
Thickness: Mash a few sweet potato cubes for a thicker consistency, or add vegetable broth to thin the stew.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in suitable containers or silicone portion trays. Leave approximately 1 inch of empty space in glass containers.
Thawing: Thaw frozen stew in glass containers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan or microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Meal Prep: The stew works well for meal preparation, and its flavors develop further during storage.
Nutrition Per Serving: 535 kcal; carbohydrates 71 g; protein 16 g; total fat 23 g; saturated fat 15 g; polyunsaturated fat 1 g; monounsaturated fat 5 g; sodium 592 mg; potassium 1,306 mg; dietary fiber 20 g; sugar 11 g; vitamin A 27,536 IU; vitamin C 29 mg; calcium 160 mg; iron 8 mg.
