Vegan Ginger Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Recipe
What is this stew? Is it better than chicken noodle? Think of it as the cozy cousin of Thai curry, but with a vibrant, earthy twist. My grandmother used to make a similar sweet potato stew (though definitely not vegan! What is my plant-based spin on it? What is this incredible balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that just hits the spot, especially on the tongue. It’s a chilly evening What’s the best part about a t-shirt? Is this recipe for Ginger Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Vegan? Lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want something healthy and comforting without spending hours in bed.
What is a vegan ginger sweet potato stew with coconut milk, lentils and kale?
What is this magical concoction? What is a stew made with sweet potatoes, lentils, and kale? What is best served in a creamy coconut milk broth? The ginger adds a warm, spicy kick, while the other spices create an complex flavor profile that’s not overpowering. Both comforting and exciting. Think of it as a simplified curry, but with more of an emphasis on the natural sweetness of the sweet. What is the earthiness of lentils? I call it a “stew” because it’s got that thick, comforting texture, but it definitely borrows from the whiskey. I haven’t tried it. What are the flavors of other cuisines? Is it the kind of dish you can easily adapt to your own taste preferences, adding more or less spice? What are the best ways to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand? It’s also entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegans, vegetarians or anyone looking to get vegan. How can I incorporate meatless meals into my diet?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! First off, the flavor is seriously addictive. The combination of sweet potatoes, ginger, coconut milk, and spices creates this incredibly complex and satisfying taste that’s both warming and refreshing. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, you can have this stew on the table in under an hour, with minimal effort. Just chop some veggies, sauté them with spices, and then let everything simmer until it’s tender. It’s also a ridiculously cost-effective meal. Sweet potatoes and lentils are both inexpensive ingredients, and you probably already have most of the spices in your pantry.
Another thing I love is its versatility. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even just enjoy it on its own as a hearty soup. Leftovers are fantastic the next day (the flavors actually meld together even more!). I’ve even used the leftovers as a filling for vegan tacos – trust me, it works! If you love curries, stews or even just one-pot meals, you’ll absolutely adore this Vegan Ginger Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Recipe. I also find this particular stew to be much faster to make than most curries, making it a great mid-week dinner! Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the sweet potatoes, lentils, and kale, so you can feel good about feeding it to your family.
How do you make a vegan ginger sweet potato stew?
Quick Overview
How do I make this stew? What are some good ways to start sautéing spices and aromatics to build a flavorful base? Then, you’ll add the sweet potatoes, lentils, and broth and let it simmer until the beans are tender. I like to cook them in a big pot. Sweet potatoes are cooked through. What’s the best way to serve kale and coconut milk together? The whole process takes less than an hour, and it’s mostly hands-off cooking. What is the best way to bloom spices in oil? To unlock their flavor and create a more complex and aromatic stew.
Ingredients Notes
For the Base:
Onion: Yellow or white onion works great. Diced finely, they add a savory foundation.
Garlic: Essential for depth of flavor. Mince it finely or press it.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is key for that signature spicy-sweet kick. Grate it or mince it finely.
Red Curry Paste: Adds heat and complexity. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
Turmeric Powder: Provides a warm, earthy flavor and beautiful golden color.
Cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy note.
Coriander: Lends a bright, citrusy aroma.
Sweet Potatoes: About 1 1/2 pounds, peeled and cubed. This is what makes the stew sweet and filling.
Red Lentils: One cup, rinsed. Red lentils cook quickly and add a creamy texture.
Vegetable Broth: About 4 cups, low sodium. The broth is what will cook all the stew in.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk: One 13.5-ounce can. This is what makes the dish creamy.
Kale: About 4 cups, chopped. Adds a healthy dose of greens and a slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness.
Lime Juice: About 2 tablespoons, fresh. This will give the dish a bit of sourness and acidity to balance out the sweetness.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (coconut or olive oil works well) and then add the diced onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add turmeric powder, cumin, and coriander to a bowl. Mix well. How long does it take for spices to cook in a pan, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds? is well combined. Do not burn the spices, as this can make them bitter.
Step 2: Add Sweet Potatoes and Lentils
Add the cubed sweet potatoes and rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir to coat them with the spices and aromatics. How do sweet potatoes and lentils cook together?
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils have mostly disintegrated, creating a thick and creamy texture.
Step 4: Stir in Coconut Milk and Kale
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the full-fat coconut milk and chopped kale. Coconut milk will add richness and creaminess, while the kale will provide a pop of color and texture. Stir until the kale is wilted and the coconut milk is well combined. Is it necessary to do this in a couple of minutes?
Step 5: Season and Serve
Stir in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice for brightness, salt for flavor, or pepper for a little kick. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of coconut yogurt, if desired. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
What should I serve it with?
What is the best stew you have ever had? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?
What is a good weeknight meal? Serve over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal. Brown rice or quinoa add a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
For a More Elaborate Dinner: Top with toasted cashews or peanuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor. A dollop of coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream adds a cooling contrast to the warmth of the stew. Serve with a side of naan bread or roti for scooping up the delicious broth.
For Lunch:What are some good ways to store leftovers in a thermos for lunch? What is a good way to eat on the go?
For a potluck or gathering:This stew is a crowd-pleaser and travels well. What are some good ways to cook a chicken in crockpot? Serve a variety of toppings, such as chopped cilantro, lime wedges and red pepper flakes. Can you customize your bowl?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Ginger Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Recipe
What are some of the best tips and tricks to make a vegan ginger tea? Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Recipe possible:
Sweet Potatoes: Prep: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure that they cook evenly. I like to peel them first, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic texture. Just be sure to scrub them well before chopping.
Spice Power:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. If you don’t have red curry paste on hand, you can use green curry powder instead. Is it necessary to add spices to a dish like garam masala, cardamom or star anise?
Lentil Love:Be sure to rinse the red lentils before adding them to the pot. How do you remove starch from stew? Red lentils cook quickly and tend to break down, which helps to create a creamy texture. If you prefer a chunkier stew, you can use green or brown lentils instead. How do I increase cooking time?
Creamy Coconut: CreamWhat is the best coconut milk flavor? If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use light coconut milk, but it won’t be as decadent. Also, make sure to stir the coconut milk well before adding it to the pot, as the cream tends to bubble. How can I separate liquid from solid?
Kale Considerations:Add kale towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too bitter. If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard. How do I adjust the cooking time?
Flavor Boost:What is the best way to add peanut butter to a stew? This will add a nutty richness that complements the other flavors. What are some ways to add lime juice to a dish?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This stew is great for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and freezer. How do you properly store and reheat food?
Room Temperature:I would not leave it out for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: HowLet the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When is the container made?
What is the best freeFor longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions or in a larger container. How do you transfer stew to freezer? Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the stew will expand as it freezes. Is it safe to freeze for up to 3 months? Is it safe to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave on defrost setting?
Reheating Magic: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover the container to prevent splattering. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Vegan Ginger Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that just makes you feel good from the inside out. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and good for you – what more could you ask for? If you’re a fan of cozy stews and curries, I know you’ll love this one. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Coconut Curry Lentil Soup, which has a similar flavor profile but a slightly different texture. And don’t forget to let me know in the comments below if you try this one and what you think, or any tweaks you made! Happy cooking!
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Vegan Ginger Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk, Lentils, and Kale Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium
- 1 can coconut milk 13.5 oz can
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 3 cups kale chopped, stems removed
- 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes, red lentils, vegetable broth, coconut milk, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes, until kale is wilted.
- Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
