Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

Thick and hearty Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is packed with good-for-you ingredients: delicious sweet potatoes, coconut milk, kale, and lentils! This lentil stew is incredibly filling and true comfort food in one bowl. Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-Free.

Today we are going to learn how to make a sweet potato lentil stew in just under 30 minutes if lentils need soaking, what to serve with lentil stew and why coconut milk is good for you.

Why it's yummy

• Comfort food in a bowl. There is nothing better than to enjoy a hearty, cozy, creamy bowl of lentil stew on a cold evening.

• Simplicity. Made with simple ingredients - sweet potatoes, lentils, coconut milk, some basic ingredients that you already have sitting in your pantry. This combination makes a very rich and flavorful lentil stew.

• Versatile. I love how easy it is to customize this one-pot meal, you can sub the sweet potatoes with pumpkin, butternut squash, regular potatoes, chickpeas, green beans. Serve with ciabatta, cornbread, chili flakes, and freshly chopped cilantro. Simply delicious!

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Instructions

• In a large heavy bottom pot or dutch oven over medium heat, add oil and saute onions until translucent. Add ginger, garlic, chili flakes, coriander, cumin, turmeric. 

• Add the sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to coat in the spices. Follow with lentils and stir to combine all the ingredients. 

• Pour in the vegetable stock, cover with the lid and bring to a boil. 

• Reduce the heat to low and simmer until lentils become tender but the potatoes almost cooked. 

• Stir in the coconut milk and kale. Add the lime juice. Continue to simmer with closed lid until kale is softened slightly about 3 minutes. Season with salt if needed and simmer for a few minutes more. 

• Your sweet potato lentil stew is ready! Pour into individual bowls and garnish with fresh sliced jalapenos, chili flakes, lime wedges, cilantro. Serve with fresh bread or cornbread.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan stew is delicious on its own but served with a small side dish or bread becomes an even heartier meal. Here are a few of my suggestions on what to serve with lentil stew:

Something starchy:

• Crusty bread

• Biscuits

• Cornbread

Something fresh:

• Green salad

• Tomatoes

• Lime

• Fresh Herbs

Variations 

• Swap sweet potato to butternut squash, acorn squash, pumpkin, cauliflower (I have a similar and very delicious Chickpea and Cauliflower Coconut Curry recipe if you want to try next), carrots, turnip, rutabaga, kabocha.

• Swap lentils to barley, chickpeas, red lentils (should be added on very last step when simmering)

• Swap kale for spinach, green beans, mushrooms, parsnips, celery, 

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. I'd love it if you would share it on Facebook or pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest! Your feedback is so important and it helps other TYB readers who are planning to make this recipe. Thank you, appreciated!

FAQ

How long does lentil stew last?

Keep refrigerated for 3 days, it will actually taste so much better on the next day!

Do I need to soak lentils?

Lentils do not require soaking like other pulses. I usually just rinse them multiple times with cold water until all the dust is removed. They will also cook faster this way in a stew.

Why is coconut milk good for you?

Coconut milk is very nutritious and is a perfect alternative for dairy in vegan stews, soups, and sauces. I think it is so versatile and has such a rich and flavorful taste that you just can’t resist. And it is a must-have in a vegan foodie kitchen. 

There are also several articles about coconut milk and coconut cream that all prove how nutritious it really is. 

Some of the main benefits of coconut milk include:

Eating coconut milk could improve your cholesterol levels.

Consuming coconut oil promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing energy levels. 

Coconut milk also contains some amounts of calcium and iron.

Easy One-Pot Meals

Easy Vegan Chili

Chickpea and Cauliflower

• One Pot Curry Coconut Noodles | Gluten free and Vegan!

• Beans and Cornbread

This Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Stew recipe is adapted from The First Mess.

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Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

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