Hearty Sweet Potato Lentil Curry: A Quick Vegan Comfort Food

Published: February 10, 2026

by Clare

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Lentil Curry

Hearty Comfort: This dish wraps you in warmth with its creamy coconut milk and sweet potatoes, perfect for a cozy night in.

Quick to Prepare: With minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a homemade meal in under an hour — ideal for those hectic weeknights.

Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of spices like cardamom and cinnamon creates a rich, aromatic experience, elevating your culinary skills.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family or friends, this comforting curry is sure to impress; pair it with fluffy rice or warm naan for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it alongside some crispy vegetable spring rolls for an exciting twist!

Sweet Potato Lentil Curry Ingredients

• Discover the magic of flavors in this Sweet Potato Lentil Curry with these essential ingredients.

For the Base

Olive Oil – Ideal for frying aromatics, substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
White Onion – Adds sweetness and flavor; yellow or red onions can work well too.
Garlic – Enhances flavor; use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth; ground ginger can be used as a substitute.
Red Chilli – Provides heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
Lemongrass – Infuses citrus notes; 1 tsp lemon zest can be an alternative.

For the Curry

Vegetable Stock – Acts as the liquid base; water with a vegetable stock cube can be used instead.
Red Lentils – A fantastic source of protein; chickpeas can also be used, although they require more cooking time.
Tamari – Adds umami; you can substitute it with soy sauce for a non-gluten-free version.
Peanut Butter – Provides creaminess and flavor; consider almond or sunflower seed butter for alternatives.
Coconut Milk – Adds richness; opt for nut milk for a lighter option.

For the Veggies

Red Pepper – Contributes color and sweetness; feel free to substitute with any other bell pepper or carrot.
Sweet Potato – Adds natural sweetness and texture; you can swap for regular potatoes or butternut squash.
Spinach – Fresh or frozen boosts nutritional content; kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes.

For the Spices

Spices & Seasonings – Use salt, cumin, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric for a flavor boost.
Bay Leaves – Provide a subtle aroma; simply omit if you don’t have them on hand.

For Garnish

Lime – A refreshing touch for garnish, serve with lemon as an alternative.
Spring Onions – Add freshness; chives can be used instead.
Sesame Seeds – For a crunchy garnish; pumpkin seeds can substitute if desired.
Chilli Olive Oil – A spicy drizzle for serving; regular olive oil works perfectly too.

How to Make Sweet Potato Lentil Curry

Heat Oil: In a large pan, add olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and red chili, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the grated ginger and red pepper, allowing them to cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes. This helps to build a flavorful base!
Add Garlic & Sweet Potato: Mix in finely chopped garlic along with sweet potato chunks; sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sweet potatoes start to soften.
Mix Spices: Incorporate the spices, lemongrass, and bay leaves into the pan. Cook for a few minutes to allow the spices to awaken and their aromas to fill your kitchen.
Pour Stock: Add the red lentils and vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes. You want the lentils to soften nicely.
Create Creaminess: Reduce the heat and stir in the tamari, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry thickens and becomes creamy.
Finish with Veggies: Finally, fold in the spinach and coconut milk, mixing until fully combined. Cook just until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and vibrant.
Serve & Garnish: Spoon the delightful curry into bowls to serve. Enjoy it with rice or naan, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh lime juice, sesame seeds, and sliced spring onions for that extra special touch!

Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Lentil Curry?

Create a delightful dining experience with these perfect pairings to accompany your vibrant curry.

Fluffy Basmati Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the creamy sauce, providing a delightful base for each hearty spoonful. Its fluffy texture complements the richness of the curry beautifully.
Warm Naan Bread: Soft and pillowy, naan is perfect for scooping up each decadent bite, bringing an authentic flair to your meal.
Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: The crunchiness of spring rolls adds a delightful contrast to the creamy curry. Dip them in soy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Cucumber Salad: The freshness of cucumbers steeped in a tangy dressing refreshes your palate between bites, balancing the warmth of the curry.
Mint Chutney: A bright, zesty chutney provides a cool contrast to the spices, enhancing the overall culinary experience with its refreshing flavor.
Chili Olive Oil Drizzle: A splash of spicy olive oil over your curry adds an extra kick and brings all the flavors together in a tantalizing way.
Mango Lassi: This creamy yogurt drink complements the spices wonderfully, providing a cooling effect and a touch of sweetness that enhances the dish’s warmth.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse: End your meal on a light note with this indulgent dessert, which maintains the theme of rich flavors while offering a silky texture to finish.

Sweet Potato Lentil Curry Variations

Feel free to play with this recipe and create your own signature version that excites your palate!

Chickpea Swap: Replace red lentils with chickpeas for a hearty twist; they add a different texture and are also packed with protein.
Nutty Flavor: Use cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a unique flavor profile; it adds a creamy richness that enhances the dish.
Extra Veggies: Mix in diced carrots for an added touch of sweetness and color alongside the sweet potatoes; their natural sugars enhance the flavor beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil in place of spring onions for a fresh and fragrant finish; these bright notes pair wonderfully with the spices.
Curry Heat: For those who love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of spice; it will elevate your curry beautifully.
Coconut Cream: Swap regular coconut milk for coconut cream for an ultra-rich and decadent experience; just a little goes a long way in making it indulgent.
Spicy Drizzle: Instead of plain olive oil, drizzle your serving with chili olive oil for a hint of heat on top of this comforting dish; it adds a delightful finish!
Zest Adding: Try incorporating a teaspoon of lime zest into the curry before serving for an added burst of fresh citrus flavor; it lightens the dish and enhances all the other flavors.

How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Lentil Curry

Fridge: Store leftover sweet potato lentil curry in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the curry in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, ensure it’s tightly sealed, and label it with the date.

Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your curry again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This method retains the flavor and texture beautifully.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if needed to restore the creaminess. Stir well to combine before serving.

Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Lentil Curry

Pre-soak Lentils: Soaking red lentils beforehand cuts down on cooking time, but be sure to adjust liquids to maintain the right consistency.
Remove Lemongrass: Don’t forget to take out the lemongrass stalks before serving; they’re tough and not meant to be eaten.
Boost Protein: For an added protein kick, consider mixing in tofu or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Adjust Spice Levels: Start with half the red chili if you’re sensitive to heat; you can always add more later to customize your Sweet Potato Lentil Curry.
Perfect Creaminess: Stir the peanut butter in gradually for a wonderfully creamy texture, ensuring it fully incorporates with the coconut milk.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor variation in your curry!

Sweet Potato Lentil Curry Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for firm sweet potatoes without dark spots or blemishes. The skin should have a smooth appearance and feel heavy for its size. Avoid any that feel soft or have excessive wrinkling, as these are indicators they may be spoiled.

What is the best way to store leftover sweet potato lentil curry?
To store your delicious curry, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain that creamy texture.

Can I freeze sweet potato lentil curry?
Yes, you can! To freeze, transfer the cooled curry to airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring they’re tightly sealed. It can last up to 2 months. Make sure to label it with the date for easy tracking!

How do I reheat frozen sweet potato lentil curry?
To reheat, thaw your curry overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat. If it appears thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water while stirring to regain that lovely creaminess.

Are there any allergy concerns with the ingredients?
Very! This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets. However, if you have nut allergies, be cautious with peanut butter. You can easily substitute it with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

What if my curry turns out too thick?
No worries! If your sweet potato lentil curry is too thick after cooking, simply add a bit of vegetable stock or water, stirring it in gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Maintain a simmer while doing this to ensure everything heats evenly.