Meatless Monday dinner is sorted with this delicious, healthy and hearty Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry. It's an easy one-pan meal that's ready in 30 minutes and made with pantry staples including chickpeas, tinned diced tomatoes and turmeric!
Everyone needs a few quick and easy dinner recipes in their back pocket. I call them my weeknight wonders - meals that I can make in 30 minutes or less with ingredients I always have on hand.
This Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry is one of my weeknight wonders. It's a vegan curry that's made from scratch with mostly everyday pantry ingredients. And it keeps well so you can enjoy it for lunch for several days after (or freeze it for dinner in a pinch).
Curries have reputation for being quite difficult to make, especially if you aren't using a jar of curry paste. But this curry right here uses only a few spices - curry powder, turmeric and cumin, to give it full flavour without any hassle.
This recipe has had a serious workout in my house over the years. It's been presented to unexpected guests for dinner, brought along to potlucks to share and gifted to sick relatives who need a comforting meal.
Unsurprisingly, it's been enjoyed by all, and it's even made its way into quite a few family and friends personal recipe collections. Not to mention it's been one of the most popular recipes ever since I first published it back in July 2017.
I just know your family will love this as much as ours. Bookmark it. Print it. Pin it. I'm sure it'll be one of your weeknight wonders.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS CURRY
- It's nutritious
- It's quick (ready in 30 mins)
- It's made with everyday ingredients
- There's little hands-on time
- It packs a flavour punch
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Here's what you need to make this Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry...
- Sweet Potato - I like a bit of a chunkier curry, so I usually dice my sweet potatoes into bite sized chunks.
- Dry Red Lentils - No need to soak, they cook quickly and break down while cooking, which makes them perfect for curries.
- Canned Chickpeas - Drain and rinse well.
- Vegetable Stock & Canned Diced Tomatoes - Use more or less stock depending on how thick you like your curry.
- Onion, Ginger & Garlic - All true curries start with these three - the perfect flavour base.
- Curry Powder, Turmeric & Cumin - Just enough spice to bring flavour without being overpowering. I like to use a mild curry powder as I don't like my curries too hot, but if you want to turn up the heat, pick a hot curry powder.
DO YOU NEED TO SOAK LENTILS?
There's no need to pre-soak the red lentils for this recipe. Just add them directly to the curry!
DO YOU COOK LENTILS BEFORE ADDING TO CURRY?
There's also no need to pre-cook your lentils before adding them to the curry. Red lentils cook quite quickly and will cook while simmering in the curry.
HOW TO MAKE SWEET POTATO AND CHICKPEA CURRY - STEP BY STEP
Putting this curry together couldn't be easier, which is why it makes a great weeknight dinner. Here's what you need to do...
- Sauté the onion, garlic and ginger in a large pot.
- Sauté the spices.
- Coat the sweet potatoes in the spices.
- Add everything else to the pot - lentils, chickpeas, stock and diced tomatoes.
- Simmer until potatoes are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
WHAT TO SERVE THIS CURRY WITH
I absolutely love this curry with a side of basmati rice. Brown rice works well too, although it's longer cooking time generally deters me when I'm after a quick meal. You could even serve it with cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.
I also love to drop a dollop of plain greek yoghurt on top to add a little zing, with some chopped fresh coriander to finish it off. You could also add some chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
I also highly recommend making up a batch of these quick and easy yoghurt flatbreads to soak up all the curry!
MORE DELICIOUS DINNER IDEAS
- Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry
- Vegetable Barley Soup
- Pan-Fried Sriracha Tofu
- Zucchini and Halloumi Fritters with Sweet Corn
- Mexican Chicken Salad
- OR see all Dinner Recipes
If you’ve tried this Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.
📋 RECIPE
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Warm up your winter nights with a delicious, healthy and hearty bowl of sweet potato and chickpea curry. Perfect for meatless Monday!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (mild)
- ⅔ cup red lentils
- 1 large sweet potato
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 400g / 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 400g / 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained & rinsed
Optional
- Rice
- Greek Yoghurt
- Coriander
- Chopped Peanuts
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. Add it onion, ginger and garlic and cook for 3 minutes until softened, stirring regularly.
- Add cumin, turmeric and curry powder and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the sweet potatoes and stir to coat with the spices.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, chickpeas and stock and stir to combine. Bring to boil, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes, stirring a few times, until the sweet potatoes are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve curry alone or with rice, a dollop of greek yoghurt and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Enjoy!
Notes
- CURRY POWDER - Any curry powder will work well. I generally use Keen's Traditional Curry Powder as it's quite mild, but if you enjoy a bit of heat feel free to use a hot curry powder.
- STORING - Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- UPDATES - First Published July 17th, 2017. Updated March 25th, 2019. Small tweak to the original recipe to allow for a more saucy curry; plus photos and tips updated.
- INSPIRATION - Adapted from BBC Good Food
- NUTRITION - Nutritional information calculated for one serve without rice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 274Carbohydrates: 45gFiber: 14gSugar: 8gProtein: 12g
Dot says
I have a lentil allergy. Can I substitute anything
Cassie says
Hey Dot, I have a similar curry to this that uses spinach (https://www.cookitrealgood.com/sweet-potato-chickpea-and-spinach-curry/). Otherwise you could try substituting for a grain like barley (if you aren't allergic) or even adding in some cauliflower (just use a little less liquid). Hope this helps 🙂
Jan says
Is this vegan?
Cassie says
Yes
Kalyan Panja says
The photos are inviting me to taste it right now.
Cassie says
It's so good Kalyan!
Ozfoodhunter says
It looks yummy and tasty!!! Thanks for sharing such healthy and easy recipe!!! And the food images in this post are looking very delicious.
Cassie says
Thank you so much 🙂
Debbie-jean Lemonte says
Kudos to you. Just recently I told myself I wanted to try being vegan. I'm thinking your Meatless Mondays are going to be quite helpful in transition.
Cassie says
That's a good idea! I went vegan a few years back and felt absolutely amazing!! But then I smelt cooked bacon and I couldn't sustain it 😛
Yasmin Ali says
Okay, these are all ingrediants I'm not a fan of, but it actually looks pretty decent! I hope the ginger wasn't too strong! I always worry about that!
Cassie says
You can barely taste the ginger 🙂 And could always leave it out! But not a fan of sweet potato?? whhaaattt? haha
MaJoy Eticabla says
I want to go vegetarian even for a day in every week. I know that will help a lot for my health and the environment. I am not getting any younger and I might as well learn to value my health as early as possible.
Cassie says
It's easier than you would think! I probably do 3-4 days a week without noticing!
Nana says
I think my Husband would love this dish. Maybe In the long run I might do this for him.
Cassie says
Hope he enjoys Nana!
BRittany says
Yum this looks so good! I love lentils and we end up making it a lot during the week. I could definitely see our family loving this!
Cassie says
I really enjoy them too!
Nicole Caudle says
This recipe looks yummy. Perfect for fall New England nights!
Cassie says
It's warming me up this winter here in Australia for sure!
Angela Bethea says
This looks absolutely tasty and delicious! I love curry so this will be a perfect meal for me.
Cassie says
You and me both Angela!
Ariel Weihl says
Looks delicious! As someone who hates using recipes, I love that you let your tastebuds guide you. Mark of a true chef 😉
Cassie says
Why thank you Ariel 🙂
Hey Sharonoox says
You have me at sweet potato and chickpea. Both are my favorite ingredients to make curry. This look really yummy. We love curry so I'm going to try making it.
Cassie says
I hope you enjoy Sharon 🙂
Jaclyn says
This looks delicous and fairly simple. Will try later.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Jaclyn!
Jeanine says
Yum! I will admit I've never tried curry or lentils before. I would love to give it a try! Yum
Cassie says
No curry or lentils! Definitely give it a go!
Carol Cassara says
It's perfect for my diet! I've been following a meatless diet for the past couple of months and it's awesome to learn recipes like this! Thanks so much!
Cassie says
No worries Carol - going meatless is easy with recipes like this!
Susan Minich says
I'm totally making this! I've been on a chickpea kick recently. Looks delicious!!!
Cassie says
Let me know how you go!!
Heather says
I really like sweet potatoes and need more creative recipes so my daughters will eat them too. This one looks fantastic!
Cassie says
I hope you all enjoy Heather!
Ave says
Your Sweet Potato Lentil and Chickpea Curry looks delicious! Perfect as a comfort food for those cold autumn days.
Cassie says
Absolutely!
Adriana Lopez Martn says
Curry is my guilty pleasure I prepare it very often and in different ways but have not added lentils. I bet gives a nice texture like a dhal.
Cassie says
It definitely makes it a bit more hearty 🙂
Shannon Gurnee says
I've only had sweet potatoes a few ways, but have never tried it in a curry. Sounds like an interesting recipe!
Cassie says
I love throwing them in curries and stews!
Andrea says
This looks SUPER yummy! I have a can of chickpeas and some lentils in my pantry, so I'm going to try this next week. Thanks for the healthy recipe!
Cassie says
Yay! Hope you love it Andrea!
Megan Miller says
I love this! We do meatless Wednesdays and this will have to make it into the rotation!
Cassie says
Love it! Thanks Megan!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
I am always looking for more meatless recipes to add to my collection. Love this one because it is hearty and filling.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Dorothy! Very hearty!
Terri Beavers says
I can't believe I've never had curry before nor made it. It looks easier than I thought it would be and oh my does it ever look delish!
Cassie says
Never had curry before?! That's crazy!
Elena says
I have never tried anything like this, but it definitely looks tasty and I have to give it a try.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Elena!
lena says
This is such a great meal option that is full of energy and great nutrition. I really need to open my mind and give curry a try
Cassie says
I love anything curry Lena!
Ramona says
I have been looking for a recipe to spice up my regular lentil soup. I never thought of sweet potato. I can't wait to try looks delicious.
Cassie says
Hope you like it Ramona! Let me know how you go!
Echo says
This looks really good. I have been wanting to come up with more ways to eat chickpeas!
Cassie says
Definitely throw them in stews and curries - YUM!
Alicia Taylor says
I bet this is just loaded with protien and fiber goodness, too! We love curries and I love chickpeas and lentils for their healthy benefits. I added this to my BigOven meal plan for next week.
Cassie says
That's awesome Alicia!
Cindy Ingalls says
Since I don't eat a lot of meat anymore I'm always on the hunt for great veggie recipes. I love chickpeas and lentils so I can't wait to try this out.
Cassie says
Let me know how you go Cindy 🙂
Kristina says
I love sweet potatoes. My husband does too and he loves curry so this I'm sure he would enjoy eating!
Cassie says
I'd say so by the sounds of it Kristina!
Lisa says
Looks so delicious!! Love chickpeas! You made me hungry! 🙂
https://www.lisaandfam.com
Cassie says
I've been enjoying it for lunch all week!
Ron Leyba says
This looks and sounds delicious. love this recipe. Amazing!
Cassie says
Thanks Ron!
Rhian says
I had some chickpea curry at my friend's wedding at the weekend and I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would x
Cassie says
Nice Rhian!
Cassie Tucker says
This sounds fantastic! I have wanted my husband to try curry because I think he would like it but he has always been reluctant. Now, I think I can get him on this one because he loves sweet potatoes and chickpeas so much!
Cassie says
Now that's thinking Cassie! Hope he loves it!
Chef Dennis says
What a delightful way to get more sweet potatoes into our diet. This is going on home menu!
Cassie says
Let me know how you go!
Rachel Mouton says
This looks amazing! I love cooking with chickpeas and my kids always like them too. I'm going to have to give this recipe a try 🙂
Cassie says
Hope you like it Rachel!
Tony says
I love curry things. I will be able to us these recipe while camping. Simple and easy. Thanks for sharing.
Cassie says
It would come together really well camping!
Cynthia says
This looks divine. Ginger gives everything such a special taste! It's amazing how versatile are chickpeas!
Cassie says
Chickpeas can go in just about anything haha!
Lynzy & Co says
This looks so delicious. I totally need to try to make this. I am such a fan of trying a meatless monday. I am totally going to make it.
Cassie says
Nice! Hope you enjoy!
Lailah says
It looks so yummy! I will definitely look back to this when I don't have a clue of what to eat.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy!
Cat says
This curry recipe looks and sounds so tasty! I will definitely have to try it out!
Cassie says
Yay! Hope you like it Cat!
Salena says
These recipes look to die for! I can't wait for it to cool down so I can try them!
Cassie says
Such a nice winter treat for sure
Terri Steffes says
I love chickpeas! The curry idea sounds delicious. I know my husband would love to have this!
Cassie says
You'll have to let me know how you go Terri!
Angie says
Thanks for sharing - always looking for something new to try!
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy it Angie!
andrea says
oh man this looks awesome, I really like the chickpea and lentils mixed together. it is the perfect meatless monday recipe and also for us that like to eat gluten free.
Cassie says
Very true Andrea!
Sonyo Estavillo says
This looks really good and healthy. I love all of the ingredients, but don't eat curry that much. I'm definitely going to have to try this out.
Cassie says
Hope you like it Sonyo!
Jeanette says
This looks absolutely delicious! I struggle to find ways of cooking sweet potato so that my family will eat it. I know they would love this.
Cassie says
What! Sweet Potato is the best!!! haha. Hope they love it Jeanette!
Heather says
My husband eats meat, but the rest of us are vegetarians. It's always a win when I can find recipes like this one that will appeal to everyone.
Cassie says
Nice Heather! Hope you enjoy!
Alayna says
I always make the exact same kind of veggie curry. It's great but I could definitely stand to change it up. I'll have to try this recipe!
Cassie says
Hope you like it Alayna!
Kirsten says
Our family LOVES curry, but I have never switched things up with my recipe - I love that you used sweet potatoes rather than the normal golden - so much healthier and lots more fiber! I will have to try this out! Thanks!
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Kirsten!
Toughcookiemommy says
My grandmother used to make a lot of recipes with lentils when I was growing up. This looks like a flavorful and hearty dish.
Cassie says
I love lentils!
Karen Morse says
This sounds so tasty!!! I love the blend of flavors in this recipe. I really appreciate you sharing this with us. I think Meatless Mondays is a great idea!
Cassie says
I find it pretty easy to stick too!
Heather Johnson says
Your sweet potato, lentil and chickpea curry sounds like a perfect meal once cooler fall weather arrives. So healthy and full of yummy ingredients!
Cassie says
Thanks so much Heather!
Sarah Bailey says
Oh this sounds like a really delicious mix for a curry, I do love a bit of sweet potato, but I've never thought of using it in curry before.
Cassie says
I try and put it in whatever I can!
robin rue says
I have never had anything like that before. It sounds like a really tasty meal option that my kids will love.
Cassie says
I can't stop eating it!
Gloria says
This looks so tasty!
Cassie says
It really is!
Chrissyadventures says
Oh!! I really like this concept of meatless Monday. I've got to try this recipe, it sounds so delicious! (I love the spicy heat too!)
Cassie says
Hope you like it Chrissy!