Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

Teresa Ambra

2013 – Gluten Free Living

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is a healthy comfort food I’m sure you’ll enjoy. I was really craving a wholesome dish made from sweet potatoes and lentils last week. This one is filled with sweet potatoes, lentils, carrots, celery, leeks, onion and seasoned with thyme, oregano and parsley. It’s made creamy with half-and-half or cream. It’s one of those foods that’s terrific to make up during cool winter nights. It warms you up with a lot less calories than some meals.

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Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is healthy, low calorie, gluten free, and can easily be made vegan by substituting coconut milk for the half-and-half. I soaked the lentils about an hour before making up this stew. This stew-like chowder is very hearty and satisfying and will fill you up quickly!

For those of you trying to find healthy ways to eat without added sugar, excessively refined and processed ingredients thrown in, MSG or other poisonous fillers and “natural seasonings” consider trying out this tasty recipe. It’s healthy without sacrificing texture or flavor. 🙂

When I initially published this recipe in May 2013, I felt the recipe had too many different seasonings competing together. I decided to remake the recipe (January 2018) for lunch with a friend. This time I took out all the sweet spices and everything that would cause it to be too spicy. I wanted something simpler that would work together better. I stayed with parsley and thyme (my two favorite herbs), and added oregano for a little bit more flavor. The recipe was much simpler this way, but it worked a lot better.

If you’re looking for a terrific vegetarian stew, then give Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew a try. It’s delicious without being overpowering. Plus, it’s healthy, lower calorie and clean eating.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is a delicious, healthy alternative to soup out of the can!

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

This recipe is stocked with lots of vegetables.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is healthy, low calorie, gluten free and easily vegan by substituting coconut milk for the half-and-half in the recipe.

Here’s what I did.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

I used these ingredients.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

I soaked the lentils for about an hour. While I prefer soaking them overnight, even a few hours is good to release all the phythates. That way the lentils are more easily digested. Set aside. 

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Pour olive oil into a stock pot. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and garlic from a jar.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Combine ingredients and continue sautéing.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Add sweet potatoes cut in large cubes and vegetable stockStir to combine and bring to a simmer over low to medium heat for about 30 minutes.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Add seasonings.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Add drained lentils.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Stir to combine and cook over low to medium heat for about 20-30 minutes until sweet potatoes and lentils are cooked through. 

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Turn down heat. Add half-and-half or coconut milk if you prefer a creamy taste without dairy. 

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Stir to combine and serve.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Here I’ve ladled the Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew into bowls.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

This tasty stew is so healthy, fortifying and satisfying. While the spices are kept simple, the result is delicious! This recipe makes a LOT! You can easily get 12-14 servings out of this recipe. Cut the recipe in half if you don’t want leftovers.

Here’s the recipe.

CREAMY SWEET POTATO LENTIL STEW

(My own concoction)

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

Teresa Ambra
Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is wonderful. This savory, tasty and healthy stew is terrific for cold, winter days when you want a hot meal. Delicious comfort food is made with soaked lentils, sweet potatoes and lots of veggies. This recipe is gluten free and can easily be made vegan by using coconut milk instead of the half-and-half in the ingredients. If you're looking for healthy dinner options, this one is delightful.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soups, Stews & Chowders
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 299 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stock pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 mixing bowl or tupperware bowl to soak beans overnight
  • 1 vegetable peeler
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 soup ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry brown lentils soaked in water overnight
  • 3 large sweet potatoes cut in 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 ribs celery sliced on the diagonal
  • 3 large carrots peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup orange bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves or one heaping tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves or one tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 32 oz. container vegetable broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half or substitute coconut milk if trying to keep recipe vegan
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/3 tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Soak lentils in water for one to two hours or even overnight.
  • Splash olive oil in large Dutch oven or stock pot.
  • Add onion, garlic, celery, carrots and bell peppers and sauté 5-10 minutes, until carrots are somewhat tender.
  • Add vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Add drained lentils.
  • Stir to combine and simmer until vegetables are thoroughly cooked--at least 20-30 minutes or so until lentils are tender.
  • Lower heat and stir in half-and-half.
  • Check seasonings.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or croutons before serving.

Notes

NOTE: It is better to use thinly sliced carrots in this recipe as crinkle-cut fresh carrots take much longer to cook than the other veggies. Either pre-cook the carrots in the microwave, or use thinly sliced carrots.
 
 
NOTE: I like to soak the lentils an hour or more to aid in digestion, but you can omit this step.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 834mgFiber: 15gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15723IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 4mg
Keyword carrots, gluten free, lentils, main dish, soup, sweet potatoes, vegetable, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew[/b]
Recipe Type: Soups, Stews & Chowders
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra 
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Savory, tasty and healthy stew made with soaked lentils, sweet potatoes and lots of veggies. This recipe is gluten free and can easily be made vegan by using coconut milk instead of the Greek yogurt in the ingredients.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups dry brown lentils, soaked in water overnight
  • 3 large sweet potatoes, cut in large dice
  • 2 large ribs celery, sliced on the diagonal, plus about ½ cup celery leaves
  • 16-oz. carrot chips or 3 large carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
  • 1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic from a jar
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp. allspice
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • 32-oz. vegetable broth
  • 1/3 cup EACH green, yellow, red, and orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 heaping tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/3 to ½ cup fresh cilantro, to taste
  • 2 cups [url href=”http://www.chobani.com/” target=”_blank” title=”chobani”]Chobani [/url]plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or coconut milk if vegan)
Instructions
  1. Soak lentils in water for one to two hours or even overnight.
  2. Splash olive oil in large Dutch oven or stock pot.
  3. Add onion and garlic and sauté a minute or two.
  4. Add cumin, fresh ginger, allspice, cinnamon, celery, carrot chips and bell peppers.
  5. Continue sautéing a few minutes.
  6. Add vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, turmeric and thyme.
  7. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
  8. Add drained lentils.
  9. Stir to combine and simmer until vegetables are thoroughly cooked–at least 20-30 minutes or so until lentils are tender.
  10. Add cilantro.
  11. Remove from heat.
  12. Stir in Greek yogurt or coconut milk and serve.
Notes
If you prefer your soups with a little more heat, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a tablespoon of finely diced jalapeno peppers.[br][br]It is better to use thinly sliced carrots in this recipe as crinkle-cut fresh carrots take much longer to cook than the other veggies. Either pre-cook the carrots in the microwave, or use thinly sliced carrots.
Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is terrific on cold winter nights with a slab of bread.

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is a healthy and delicious way to get your veggies!

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

This appetizing stew is also great heated up for leftovers. Here I’ve sprinkled fresh thyme over top. Yummy!

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Southwest Sweet Potato Chowder

Southwest Sweet Potato Soup | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | creamy #soup is healthy & delicious. Filled with #sweetpotatoes #blackbeans #corn & #TexMex seasonings. Amazing comfort food.

Sweet Potato Soup with Ginger, Leek and Apple

Sweet Potato Soup with Ginger, Leek and Apple | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is wonderful comfort food & great for cool, winter nights. It's totally satisfying. #apples #sweetpotatoes

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #soup is absolutely amazing. It's a delicious #cheese soup featuring #ham & #sweetpotatoes. So perfect for cold, winter nights. #glutenfree
Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #stew is healthy, #glutenfree & easily #vegan if you substitute coconut milk for the cream. It's hearty, filling and satisfying comfort food that's big on taste & wonderful for winter. #soup #lentils #sweetpotatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

Teresa Ambra
Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew is wonderful. This savory, tasty and healthy stew is terrific for cold, winter days when you want a hot meal. Delicious comfort food is made with soaked lentils, sweet potatoes and lots of veggies. This recipe is gluten free and can easily be made vegan by using coconut milk instead of the half-and-half in the ingredients. If you’re looking for healthy dinner options, this one is delightful.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soups, Stews & Chowders
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 299 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stock pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 mixing bowl or tupperware bowl to soak beans overnight
  • 1 vegetable peeler
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 soup ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry brown lentils soaked in water overnight
  • 3 large sweet potatoes cut in 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 ribs celery sliced on the diagonal
  • 3 large carrots peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup orange bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves or one heaping tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves or one tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 32 oz. container vegetable broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half or substitute coconut milk if trying to keep recipe vegan
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/3 tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Soak lentils in water for one to two hours or even overnight.
  • Splash olive oil in large Dutch oven or stock pot.
  • Add onion, garlic, celery, carrots and bell peppers and sauté 5-10 minutes, until carrots are somewhat tender.
  • Add vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Add drained lentils.
  • Stir to combine and simmer until vegetables are thoroughly cooked–at least 20-30 minutes or so until lentils are tender.
  • Lower heat and stir in half-and-half.
  • Check seasonings.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or croutons before serving.

Notes

NOTE: It is better to use thinly sliced carrots in this recipe as crinkle-cut fresh carrots take much longer to cook than the other veggies. Either pre-cook the carrots in the microwave, or use thinly sliced carrots.
 
 
NOTE: I like to soak the lentils an hour or more to aid in digestion, but you can omit this step.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 834mgFiber: 15gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15723IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 4mg
Keyword carrots, gluten free, lentils, main dish, soup, sweet potatoes, vegetable, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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