Looking for a wholesome, plant-based meal that’s full of flavor, nutrition, and spice? Look no further than this Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Chickpea Curry. It’s a dish that brings together the earthiness of sweet potatoes, the heartiness of lentils, and the creaminess of coconut milk—all cooked with fragrant spices and fresh herbs.
Paired with some cooked purple rice, this meal is as nourishing as it is colorful. Not to mention, it's a perfect choice whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week.
We recently featured this recipe on our YouTube channel, walking you through the process step by step. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to watch the video for a complete visual guide! In this post, we’ll break down the ingredients, tools you’ll need, and the exact steps to recreate this recipe at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Chickpea Curry
To make this delicious curry, you’ll need some basic pantry staples along with fresh produce and spices. Here's everything you'll need:
Produce:
- 3 sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 2 red onions (chopped)
- 3 shallots (chopped)
- 8 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 4 okras (chopped)
- 1 cayenne pepper (freshly picked, cut into 3 pieces)
- Fresh rosemary (a few sprigs)
- 2 cups curly kale (shredded)
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ajwain seeds
- 2 dried curry leaves
- 2 dried whole chili peppers
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sea salt (to taste)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked lentils (pre-cooked)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (pre-cooked)
- 1 can coconut milk (400ml)
- 2-3 cups spring water (as needed)
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked purple rice (to serve on the side)
Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
Cooking is much more enjoyable when you have the right tools on hand. To make this Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Chickpea Curry, we recommend the following:
1. A Chef’s Knife
The Paudin Chef Knife is our go-to tool for chopping all the produce in this recipe. It’s part of a 5-piece set that covers all your essential kitchen prep needs. (More on that in a bit!)
2. A Wooden Cutting Board
Having a sturdy surface like a wooden cutting board ensures you can safely chop all your vegetables without dulling your knife.
3. A Large Pot or Dutch Oven
A wide, deep pot is ideal for sautéing the spices and simmering the curry to perfection.
4. A Stirring Spoon
You’ll need a large spoon for mixing the ingredients and making sure everything is evenly cooked.
5. Measuring Spoons
For spices, accurate measurements help to ensure your curry comes out just right.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Chickpea Curry
1. Prep Your Vegetables
Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes, red onions, shallots, garlic, and okra. Keep the cayenne pepper whole for now; we’ll slice it into three pieces later on. This step is easier when using a sharp, durable knife like the Paudin Chef Knife. We’ll talk more about the Paudin knife set below, but trust me—having a good knife makes a huge difference when you're chopping tough vegetables like sweet potatoes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil and begin sautéing the chopped onions, shallots, and garlic. Stir frequently until everything becomes fragrant and golden, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add the cumin seeds and dried curry leaves, stirring to release their flavors. After a minute, toss in the black cumin seeds, ajwain seeds, dried chili peppers, and bay leaves. The spices should sizzle and bloom, creating a wonderful base for your curry.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Lentils
Once the spices are fragrant, add the chopped sweet potatoes and pre-cooked lentils. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and lentils in the spice mixture. Let this cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. If things start to stick, you can add a splash of spring water to keep the mix moist.
4. Add Water, Chickpeas, and Seasonings
Next, pour in 2-3 cups of spring water, stirring to combine. Then add the pre-cooked chickpeas, turmeric powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices into the dish. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Add Fresh Rosemary, Okra, and Cayenne Pepper
Now, add the fresh rosemary sprigs, chopped okra, and the cayenne pepper slices. The rosemary adds a fragrant, herbal note that pairs perfectly with the spiced vegetables. Stir well, allowing the ingredients to cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Finish with Coconut Milk and Kale
To bring everything together, pour in the can of coconut milk, stirring until the curry becomes creamy and smooth. Finally, toss in the shredded curly kale, turn the heat to low, and let the steam gently cook the kale until it’s tender and bright green. This will only take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the kale is cooked, your curry is ready! Serve it hot alongside some cooked purple rice for a nourishing, satisfying meal.
Why You Need the Paudin 5-Piece Knife Set in Your Kitchen
Let’s take a moment to talk about the knife set that made this whole process easier—the **Paudin 5-Piece Knife Set**. In our video, we introduced the Paudin Chef Knife, and it’s honestly a game changer. Whether you're cutting through tough sweet potatoes or mincing delicate garlic cloves, this knife glides effortlessly through everything.
Key Features of the Paudin Knife Set:
High-Quality Stainless Steel: These knives are made from premium stainless steel, which means they stay sharp for longer and resist rust and corrosion.
Ergonomic Handles: The handles are designed for comfort, making them easy to grip and maneuver—even during longer prep sessions.
Full Tang Construction: Each knife is crafted with full tang construction, ensuring durability and balance.
Versatile Range: The 5-piece set includes a chef knife, a slicing knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, and a paring knife—covering all your cutting needs in the kitchen.
You can grab your own set https://amzn.to/3XTT8qW, and trust me, investing in quality knives will transform your cooking experience.
This Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Chickpea Curry is a wholesome, delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, hearty lentils, and creamy coconut milk creates a rich, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, with the right tools like the Paudin Chef Knife, cooking becomes so much more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to check out the video on our YouTube channel for a full visual guide to this recipe. And if you’re looking for top-notch kitchen tools, the Paudin 5-Piece Knife Set is definitely worth considering. Happy cooking!
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