Vegan Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons curry powder

2 tablespoons olive oil or 1/4 cup water, for water saute

2 onions, diced

1 green apple, peeled, cored and diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced

2 large sweet potatoes, cubed

1 cup dried red lentils

5 cups vegetable both, water, or combo

1 can ( 14oz.) coconut milk (light, full-fat or cream) or 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
juice of 1 lime

To serve (optional)

choppped cilantro

red pepper flakes

coconut cream

lime slices

Instructions:

Toast the curry:

Heat a large dutch oven or pot (at least a 5 quarts) over medium heat, add the curry powder and toast for about 2 mins.

The color will darken slightly and become fragrant.

Add the olive oil, and give a good stir, letting the spices sizzle.

Saute:

Next, add the onions, apple, garlic, cilantro and ginger, gently saute for 5 mins, stirring occasionally (things are really starting to smell good now!).

Simmer:

Add the sweet potatoes, lentils, broth and milk, bring to a gentle boil, cover and reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and lentils soft.

Puree:

Once done, let cool a few minutes and blend until smooth using an immersion blender.

Stir in the lime juice (start with 1/2 lime), check for flavor, adding the remaining 1/2 lime juice, salt & pepper to taste.

Add a tad more milk/water if you prefer a thinner soup.

Serve:

Serve with chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of coconut cream.

For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lime over top.

Serves 4 – 6

Store:

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days in an airtight container.

It’s also freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Defrost the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of lentils instead of red lentils?

Yes, you can substitute red lentils with other types such as green or brown lentils, but note that cooking times may vary.

Can I omit the coconut milk or almond milk?

Yes, you can omit the coconut milk or almond milk if you prefer a lighter version of the curry.

You may need to adjust the consistency with additional broth or water.

Can I make this curry without an immersion blender?

Yes, if you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

Is this curry gluten-free?

Yes, this curry is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and check that the curry powder does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference.

You can add additional herbs like chopped parsley or basil, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, or serve with a side of naan bread or rice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the curry?

If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the recipe.

Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?

While dried lentils are recommended for this recipe, you can use canned lentils if you’re short on time.

Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the curry.

Is this curry suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this curry is excellent for meal prep.

You can make a large batch and portion it into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Can I substitute other vegetables for sweet potatoes?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as butternut squash, carrots, or spinach to add variety to your curry.

How can I make this curry more filling?

To make the curry more filling, you can add additional protein sources such as tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh.

Simply add them to the curry along with the other ingredients and adjust the seasoning as needed.