Hearty Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew Recipe

This filling Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is delicious, incredibly satisfying, and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner! It’s a wholesome dish crafted from pantry essentials that is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

This warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is full of flavor and packed with healthy ingredients that keep you feeling satisfied and nourished. Made from everyday pantry items, this lentil stew fulfills all your needs and warms you right down to your core. Ideal for those brisk weekends, meal prep Sundays, or whenever you’re in the mood for some wholesome comfort food.

Why You’ll Adore this Recipe

• Nutritious – this lentil stew is loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and is inherently vegan and gluten-free.
• Quick and straightforward – everything comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes for an easy and flavorful weeknight meal.
• Delicious – the lentils absorb all that amazing flavor, making each bite a treat!
• Perfect for meal prepping – the flavors intensify as it sits, resulting in even tastier leftovers the next day.

Essential Ingredients

• lentils – the foundation of this stew, abounding in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, making the dish both nourishing and filling. I opted for green lentils, but brown lentils, red lentils, or a blend could also work.
• sweet potatoes – contribute natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a creamy texture as they cook down. They’re also rich in vitamin A and antioxidants.
• onion – I included one medium onion to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients in this soup.
• garlic – either fresh chopped garlic or minced garlic from a jar can be used.
• vegetable broth – I used low-sodium vegetable broth, but chicken broth or any stocks available in your pantry would also work.
• spices – a blend of turmeric, cumin, and bay leaves.
• salt + pepper – necessary for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the soup.

Making Lentil Stew

• Sauté the onion. Drizzle olive oil in a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat and sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
• Let the soup simmer. Incorporate the remaining ingredients (excluding the salt) and bring to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, until the lentils are cooked and firm.
• Serve and savor! Remove the stew from the heat, season with salt, and garnish with fresh parsley. Spoon the soup into bowls and, if desired, serve alongside crusty bread. Enjoy!

Why Add Salt at the End?

Here’s a little tip for achieving perfectly tender, non-mushy lentils. Bring everything to a rapid boil in a large pot (excluding the salt). Reduce the heat to very low so that the stew simmers (just barely bubbling) without a lid. Let the lentils simmer uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes until fully cooked but not falling apart. Take them off the heat and THEN add your salt. This halts the cooking process and results in perfect lentils!

Tips for the Ultimate Lentil Stew

• Rinse lentils thoroughly – rinsing lentils under cold water removes excess starch and debris. This simple step enhances the texture of the lentils and prevents the broth from becoming cloudy.
• Evenly cut sweet potatoes – chopping the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly in the stew.
• Don’t rush the simmer – once the stew reaches a boil, reduce it to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to develop fully. This also helps prevent the lentils from splitting and becoming mushy.
• Adjust thickness – if you like a soupier stew, feel free to add more broth, or simmer longer for a thicker consistency. Letting the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving will also help thicken it.
• Adding salt at the end – this simple trick ensures you get just the right lentils in the stew. Salting too early can affect the pectin in lentils, making them tough.

Customizing this Stew

• Incorporate leafy greens – stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Additional veggies – in addition to leafy greens, consider adding other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, or even tomatoes to introduce some acidity and richness to the stew.
• Extra protein – to make this stew more gratifying, consider adding chickpeas, white beans, or even cubed tofu or tempeh for additional protein.
• Make it creamy – for a richer, creamier stew, stir in some coconut milk or coconut cream near the end of cooking.
• Spice it up – add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• Make it heartier – serve this lentil stew over brown rice or quinoa for an even more filling meal.
• Brighten it up – finish this lentil and sweet potato stew with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright, fresh taste.

Preparation and Storage

Leftovers can be kept in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Reheat the lentil stew on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

More Soup and Stew Recipes

Hope you all enjoy this Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew! If you love it as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!