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Sweet Potato Stew with creamy coconut milk, green lentils, kale, fresh cilantro, and lime in a rustic pot.

Sweet Potato Stew Recipe : Ultimate Cozy Vegan Comfort


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  • Author: kai

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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the rinsed green lentils, cubed sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the chopped kale and continue simmering for 3 to 4 minutes until the greens soften.
  6. Turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  7. 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.