There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of stew to warm you up on a cold evening. The combination of tender lentils, sweet potatoes, and warming spices makes this Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew a comforting and nourishing dish that will fill you up without weighing you down. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this stew is the perfect addition to your dinner table.
Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, this hearty stew is not only good for your body, but it’s also easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the reasons why this dish should become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
- Comforting and Hearty
This stew is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying with its rich flavors and textures. The lentils offer a lovely, chewy bite, while the sweet potatoes melt in your mouth, giving the stew a natural sweetness that complements the savory broth. - Packed with Nutrients
This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients! Lentils are full of protein and fiber, making them an excellent substitute for meat. Sweet potatoes provide a great source of vitamins A and C, while the spices used in this stew—such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric—offer anti-inflammatory benefits and promote digestive health. - Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this stew is that it tastes even better the next day! You can make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. - Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan, making it a great option for those who follow a plant-based diet. It’s also gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it without worry! - Simple and Easy to Make
This stew is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Lentils: Brown or green lentils work best in this recipe, as they hold their shape well while cooking.
- Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
- Carrots: Sliced thin for a little added crunch and sweetness.
- Onion: Diced to add depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the stew with a rich, aromatic base.
- Canned Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds a touch of acidity to the stew and gives it a rich, robust flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a low-sodium vegetable broth to keep the stew flavorful and light.
- Spices: Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon come together to create a warm, aromatic base for the stew.
- Fresh Spinach: For a burst of green and extra vitamins.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, dice the onion, slice the carrots, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now it’s time to bring out the warm, fragrant spices that make this stew so comforting. Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir the spices into the onions and garlic, letting them toast for a minute or two. This will help release their flavors and make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Lentils
Add the cubed sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, and lentils to the pot, stirring everything to combine. The lentils will soak up all the spices and flavors from the onions and garlic, giving the stew a deep, rich taste.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the stew to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 25-30 minutes. You want the lentils and sweet potatoes to become tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
Once the lentils are cooked and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stir in the fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the stew, adding a vibrant green color and extra nutrients to your dish.
Step 7: Season to Taste
At this point, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you’d like a little more heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this hearty stew in bowls, and feel free to top it with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of rice to make it a complete meal.
Customizing Your Stew
One of the best things about this stew is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your preferences:
- Add More Vegetables: You can add any vegetables you like—zucchini, bell peppers, or kale would all be great additions.
- Protein Boost: If you want to make the stew even heartier, add some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even tofu for added protein.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like things spicy, throw in some chopped fresh chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a bit of heat.
Why This Stew is Perfect for Meal Prep
This Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is ideal for meal prep because it gets better as it sits. The flavors have time to meld together, making it even more delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is the ultimate feel-good meal. It’s warming, nourishing, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a big batch for meal prep, this stew is sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, start chopping, and let the cozy, comforting aromas fill your kitchen. This stew is sure to make everyone at the table feel warm and satisfied!
Lentil sweet potatoes soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 PIECE onion chopped
- 2 piece carrots sliced
- 2 piece sweet potatoes
- 2 piece celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, dice the onion, slice the carrots, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
- Now it's time to bring out the warm, fragrant spices that make this stew so comforting. Add the ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir the spices into the onions and garlic, letting them toast for a minute or two. This will help release their flavors and make your kitchen smell amazing!
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, and lentils to the pot, stirring everything to combine. The lentils will soak up all the spices and flavors from the onions and garlic, giving the stew a deep, rich taste.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the stew to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 25-30 minutes. You want the lentils and sweet potatoes to become tender but not mushy.
- At this point, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you’d like a little more heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve this hearty stew in bowls, and feel free to top it with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of rice to make it a complete meal.
1 thought on “Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew”