Why do I need to soak the lentils for this stew?

Soaking the dry green and unhulled red lentils for 6-8 hours helps them cook more evenly and become tender faster in the stew.

Can I use ready-made curry powder instead of making the Indian Spice Mix?

Yes, the recipe suggests using 1.5 tablespoons of ready-made curry powder instead of the spice mix and turmeric if you prefer.

How do I saute the onions and carrots without oil?

Heat a few tablespoons of water in a skillet, then add onions and saute, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time as it evaporates, before adding carrots and continuing the process.

When should the crushed garlic be added to the stew?

The crushed garlic is stirred in at the very end, after the tomato paste and coconut milk, to ensure its fresh flavor is prominent.

Why is salt and black pepper added at the very end?

The recipe instructs to let the stew cool a bit before adding salt and black pepper, allowing the flavors to settle for optimal seasoning.

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Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
[Vegan]

Name: Sweet Potato Lentil Stew [Vegan]
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 200g (7oz, about a cup) dry green lentils, soak; 250g (8.8oz, about 1 1/4 cup) dry unhulled red lentils, soak; 1 large red onion (165g, 5.8oz), chop; 1 large carrot (100g, 3.5oz), chop; 1 120g (39.5oz) water (about); 2 bay leaves; 1 large sweet potato (370g, 13oz), cube; 1/2 cup (140g, 5oz) tomato paste; 3 garlic cloves; 1/4 cup (60g, 2.1oz) coconut milk; 1/2 tablespoon turmeric; 1 tablespoon Indian spice mix*

NL By: Nele Liivlaid

Author Bio

Nele is passionate about healthy eating and delicious food. However, she developed a more profound... Read More

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A warm bowl of vibrant Sweet Potato Lentil Stew, rich with orange sweet potato cubes and speckled lentils, garnished with fresh herbs.

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Discover more recipes with these ingredients

Sweet Potato Lentil Stew [Vegan]

Dairy Free

Vegan

This sweet potato lentil stew is a delicious plant-based weeknight dinner that is ready in 30 minutes. It’s one of those delicious recipes that are perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients You Need for Sweet Potato Lentil Stew [Vegan]

200g (7oz, about a cup) dry green lentils, soak
250g (8.8oz, about 1 1/4 cup) dry unhulled red lentils, soak
1 large red onion (165g, 5.8oz), chop
1 large carrot (100g, 3.5oz), chop
1 120g (39.5oz) water (about)
2 bay leaves
1 large sweet potato (370g, 13oz), cube
1/2 cup (140g, 5oz) tomato paste
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup (60g, 2.1oz) coconut milk
1/2 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon Indian spice mix*

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How to Prepare Sweet Potato Lentil Stew [Vegan]

Start by soaking lentils for 6-8 hours. Rinse, drain and set aside. The lentils soak in about 520g (18.3oz) of water.
Next, prepare the Indian Spice Mix or use 1.5 tablespoons of ready-made curry powder instead of the spice mix and turmeric.
Then, crush garlic cloves, finely dice onion and chop up carrots, and sweet potato.
Heat up a few tablespoons of water in a skillet or large pan. After that, throw in onions and sauté them for 2-3 minutes stirring every now and then. Add water 1-2 tablespoons at a time whenever it evaporates.
Next go in the carrots. Give everything a good stir and sauté for another few minutes. Again, add extra water if necessary.
Then, throw in a few bay leaves and pour in soaked lentils. Next, add enough water to almost cover the ingredients. Bring to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes. At this point, add cubed sweet potato and press them into the water with a spoon or spatula. Cover and simmer until the potatoes and lentils are tender, about 10 minutes. Mix everything well and add the spices – turmeric and Indian spice mix.
Next, stir in tomato paste and coconut milk and finally crushed garlic.
Finally, let cool a bit before you add salt and black pepper to let the tastes settle.

Notes

*If you don’t want to make the Indian spice mix yourself, you may replace turmeric and the spice mix with store bought curry powder. Use 1½ tablespoons in total. Should you not have tomato paste, use 1 cup of diced tomatoes instead adding them 5 minutes before the stew is done.