Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
Red lentils and cubed sweet potato cook 6 hours on LOW, and coconut milk is stirred in for the last twenty minutes for a thick, meatless stew.
Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes6
hoursRed lentils and cubed sweet potato cook 6 hours on LOW, and coconut milk is stirred in for the last twenty minutes for a thick, meatless stew.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (13.5 oz) light coconut milk
2 cups baby spinach
Juice of 1 lime
Directions
- Put the onion, garlic and ginger in the slow cooker.
- Add the lentils, sweet potatoes and spices.
- Pour in the broth and tomatoes and stir once.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the lentils are soft.
- Stir in the coconut milk and cook 20 minutes more.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt for 5 minutes.
- Mash a few sweet potato cubes against the side to thicken the stew.
- Squeeze in the lime juice and taste for salt.
- Ladle into bowls and top with herbs.
Notes
- Lentils keep absorbing liquid as they sit, so thin leftovers with a splash of broth. Keeps 5 days in the refrigerator.
Why the coconut milk goes in late
Added at the start, coconut milk can split in a long cook. Stirring it in for the last twenty minutes keeps the stew creamy and smooth.
The red lentils break down on their own and make the thick base, so no mashing is needed beyond a few sweet potato cubes.
Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew: swaps
Butternut squash works in place of sweet potato. Kale can replace spinach. Do not use green or brown lentils here. They hold their shape and will not thicken the pot.
A pinch of cayenne adds heat.
Serving and thinning
Rice or naan suits the stew well, and fresh herbs finish it. Lentils keep absorbing liquid as they sit, so thin leftovers with broth when you reheat them. Stir well before serving.
A mistake with this stew
Ignoring the liquid as it sits. Lentils keep drinking, so the stew can turn pasty overnight. Thin it with a splash of broth when you reheat, and stir well. Add the spinach only at the end so it stays green.
Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew at a glance
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 hours
- Servings: 6 servings
- Ingredients: 13, led by red lentils, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic cloves
Tips for Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
Lentils keep absorbing liquid as they sit, so thin leftovers with a splash of broth. Keeps 5 days in the refrigerator.
Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew FAQ
How long does Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew take?
Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew takes 6 hours of cooking after 15 minutes of prep.
How many people does Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What do I need to make Crockpot Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew?
13 ingredients, led by red lentils, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic cloves. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 10 Healthy Crockpot Recipes: Dinners With Portions Stated
