Slow cooker sweet potato and lentil curry lets brown lentils and cubed sweet potato braise for eight hours with curry powder, fresh ginger, and a seeded jalapeño until the pot makes its own thick sauce. A swirl of vegan yogurt on top and it's dinner.
Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of a perfectly spiced curry, ready and waiting for you. This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry is the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ meal. It’s a hearty, wholesome, and deeply flavorful stew that requires minimal effort for maximum reward. Just toss everything in, turn it on, and let the magic happen. It’s the cozy, plant-powered comfort food you’ve been dreaming of!
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450g (15.9 oz) sweet potatoes, about 2 to 3 medium, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1 cup / 200g (7.1 oz) brown or yellow lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup / 75g (2.65 oz) chopped onion, from 1 medium onion
• 1 medium fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 42 ounces / 1.25 liters vegetable broth
• 1 14.5-ounce / 411g (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) curry powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) grated fresh ginger
• For Serving (Optional)
• Vegan yogurt or tofu sour cream
• Sliced fresh jalapeño
• Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. To your 4- to 5-quart slow cooker, add the chopped sweet potatoes, rinsed lentils, onion, finely chopped jalapeño, and minced garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and undrained diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the curry powder and grated ginger. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the lentils are soft. Serve warm, topping each bowl with a dollop of vegan yogurt and a garnish of fresh jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING: 316 calories, 2 g (0.07 oz) total fat (0 g / 0 oz saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 1,425 mg sodium, 60 g (2.12 oz) carbohydrates, 18 g (0.63 oz) fiber, 18 g (0.63 oz) protein.
Pro Tips
• Handle With Care: Chile peppers contain volatile oils that can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear gloves when seeding and chopping them, and be sure to wash your hands and cutting board thoroughly with soap and warm water afterward.
• Adjust the Heat: For a milder curry, make sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the curry powder.
• Sneak in Some Greens: For an extra boost of nutrients, stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, just until they’ve wilted.
• Meal Prep Magic: This curry tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen.
FAQ
Q: Is this sweet potato and lentil curry a good source of plant-based protein
A: Absolutely! Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. This recipe provides a hearty 18 grams (0.63 oz / 17.9 g) of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and nutritionally complete vegetarian meal.
Q: How can I ensure this slow cooker curry is completely vegan
A: The curry base is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products. To keep the entire dish vegan, simply use the suggested plant-based toppings like vegan yogurt or tofu sour cream. Coconut cream or a squeeze of lime also make excellent vegan-friendly garnishes.
Q: Can I use different lentils or vegetables in this vegetarian curry
A: Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can substitute the brown or yellow lentils with red lentils, but note they cook faster and will create a softer, more stew-like texture. Feel free to add other vegetables like chickpeas, carrots, or cauliflower for variety. For an extra nutrient boost, stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Q: How should I store this meatless curry for meal prep
A: This curry is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
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Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry
Ingredients
Method
- To your 4- to 5-quart slow cooker, add the chopped sweet potatoes, rinsed lentils, onion, finely chopped jalapeño, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and undrained diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the curry powder and grated ginger.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the lentils are soft.
- Serve warm, topping each bowl with a dollop of vegan yogurt and a garnish of fresh jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Adjust the Heat: For a milder curry, make sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the curry powder.
