Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew with Lime
In short: A creamy one-pot stew of brown lentils, sweet potato, ginger and coconut milk, with spinach stirred in and a squeeze of lime to finish. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 455 kcal
Sweet potatoes soften into the broth while the lentils stay tender, so one pot gives you a thick, creamy stew with no blending needed. Ginger, cumin, coriander and smoked paprika provide warmth without much heat, coconut milk adds richness, and lime juice at the end keeps it bright. Spinach goes in for the last few minutes. It is a good dinner for cold nights, and a pot of it feeds a family for two meals.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 minutes until soft and golden at the edges.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika and cayenne and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the mixture smells toasty.
- Add the lentils, sweet potatoes, coconut milk, stock and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover partly and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, until the lentils and sweet potato are tender.
- Press a few pieces of sweet potato against the side of the pot with a spoon to thicken the stew slightly.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Add the lime juice and taste for salt.
- Ladle into bowls and top with coriander leaves. Serve with rice or flatbread.
Tips
- Use red lentils for a thicker stew, and cut the simmering time to 20 minutes. They will break down and thicken the broth.
- Light coconut milk works for a leaner stew. For extra heat, stir in a spoonful of chili paste or top with chopped fresh chili.
Questions and answers
Does this stew freeze well?
Yes, it freezes for up to 3 months. The sweet potato softens a little after thawing, which makes the stew creamier. Add a splash of water when reheating.
Is it spicy?
It is mild to medium. Cayenne gives gentle warmth, and you can leave it out for children or double it for more heat.
What can I use instead of sweet potato?
Butternut squash or regular potatoes work well. Squash cooks slightly faster, so check it after 25 minutes.
How long does it take to make Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew with Lime?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew with Lime?
About 455 kcal per serving, with 14 g of protein, 56 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 455 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 570 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
