Nutrition & Yoga
A simple curry that's full of flavour, rich and decadent, and perfect for those chillier days
This is one of my all-time favourite winter recipes - it's like a big old comforting hug in a bowl. The spices are warming and fragrant, and the coconut milk makes it extra creamy and nourishing. I like to save some and have leftovers the next day when the flavours are even richer and punchier.
(serves 4)
Ingredients
3 medium sweet potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks, skin on
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
1 tbsp cumin seeds
6cm piece of fresh ginger, grated (unpeeled if organic)
1/2 tsp chilli powder (or to taste)
1 heaped tsp garam masala
1 tbsp good quality tomato puree
1 cup green lentils
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 x 400g tin full-fat coconut milk
2 generous handfuls of spinach
Salt and pepper
Handful fresh coriander, to serve
Heat the oil in a large cooking pot over a medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and fry for a minute or so, until fragrant. Add in the onion and a good pinch of salt and cook gently for 5-6 minutes, until soft. Then add the garlic, chilli, garam masala and ginger and fry for a further 3-5 minutes. If the spices start to stick to the bottom of the pot, add a splash of water to loosen.
Add the chopped tomatoes, sweet potato, lentils, tomato puree, and coconut milk, giving it a good stir. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, making sure everything is mixed together nicely.
Pop on the lid and simmer on a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 50-60 minutes, until the potatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened up. If needed, top up with a little water during cooking. Add the spinach to the curry about 5 minutes before it is ready, then serve piping hot and garnish with the coriander. This dish is great served with fluffy brown rice, basmati rice, or just with a dollop of cool coconut yoghurt.