Curried Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

 I have always been a fan of curry but I don't get to prepare it very often.  Last week, though, I did and it was delicious!  I had seen the original recipe in the New York Times.  It used a blend of Thai spices.   It was a make it with what you have moment so I made it with some spice substitutes.

Curried Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

Yield:  4-6 servings

3 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (3/4 inch)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 tsp curry powder

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp ginger

1 small jalapeño pepper, vein removed and chopped

1 tsp turmeric

1 cup lentils 

4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)

2 tsp kosher salt

1 (13 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

1 (4-5 oz) bag of baby spinach, stems trimmed

1/2 lime, juiced

1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

In a Dutch oven or other pot, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add the sweet potatoes and cook.  Allow the potatoes to brown but stir frequently to prevent sticking, 7-8 minutes.

Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil to the pot.  On medium-low cook the onion until translucent, 4-6 minutes.  Add the curry, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, and turmeric.  Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Add the lentils, stock, salt and browned sweet potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat then lower the heat and simmer uncovered.  Stir occasionally, until the lentils are tender, 20-25 minutes.

Add the coconut milk and continue simmering until the liquid is reduced and the lentils are creamy and falling apart, 15-20 minutes.  Be certain to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add the spinach and stir until wilted, 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and season with additional salt to taste.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

This is a make it again kind of soup!  Delicious!