Comforting Sweet Potato Curry

Featured in Meatless meals that satisfy.

This sweet potato curry blends creamy coconut milk, soft sweet potatoes, and crispy chickpeas with flavorful spices. It's as nourishing as it is comforting.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:02:55 GMT
A pot of smooth soup with chunks of squash, kale, and colorful spices. Pin it
A pot of smooth soup with chunks of squash, kale, and colorful spices. | tasteofsavor.com

I throw together this sweet potato curry based on whatever vibes I'm feeling. Sweet potatoes make a great starting point, but you can switch things up with some butternut squash, kabocha pumpkin, or carrots if you want. This dish has become a total must-have in my home because every bite just feels like a warm hug.

A comforting curry creation

This is one dish I always enjoy cooking. I love it because it works with pretty much anything hiding in my cupboards. When the coconut milk mixes with those spices, it makes this amazing sauce that coats all the veggies perfectly. It's my favorite way to enjoy something that's both healthy and super tasty.

My shopping list for this curry

  • 1 onion: I chop it up to build that flavor base.
  • 4 garlic cloves: I peel them before blending.
  • 1 piece of ginger: About thumb-sized after peeling.
  • 1 small red chili: Take the seeds out if you don't want too much heat.
  • 1 big spoon of coconut oil: To sauté my aromatics.
  • 1 spoon of ground cumin: I'm crazy about its warm flavor.
  • 1 spoon of curry powder: The key to any good curry.
  • 1 good-sized sweet potato: Cut into roughly 2 cm chunks after peeling.
  • 400 ml of coconut milk: For that creamy sauce.
  • 1 jar of chickpeas: Drained well.
  • 1 handful of kale or spinach: For some green goodness and vitamins.
  • Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped for serving.
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper: Add to your liking.

My step-by-step approach

The flavor starter
I blend onion, garlic, ginger and chili in my small food processor until it forms a nice paste.
The fragrant spices
I warm up my coconut oil in my favorite pot. I cook the paste for 10 minutes then throw in cumin and curry powder for another 2 minutes.
The main event
I add my sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and chickpeas. I taste it, season it, cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
The green touch
I toss in my kale or spinach about 5 minutes before it's done.
Ready to eat
I serve it piping hot with aromatic rice and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

My twist ideas

Winter veggie version: I often swap sweet potato for butternut squash, carrots, or parsnips.

Heartier option: Sometimes I throw in some grilled tofu or chicken.

Make it yours: You can adjust the amount of spices to match what you like.

A colorful soup pot filled with chunks of squash, green peas, curly kale and fresh herbs. Pin it
A colorful soup pot filled with chunks of squash, green peas, curly kale and fresh herbs. | tasteofsavor.com

Perfect serving suggestions

In my bowl I always want some fragrant rice that soaks up all that sauce. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up, and it's even better with some warm naan bread on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this curry be prepped ahead?
Yes, keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Flavors even get better after resting overnight.
→ How can I make it less spicy?
Leave out the chili seeds or skip the chili altogether. Want it spicier? Keep the seeds and add more chilies.
→ Can kale be swapped out?
Sure, try fresh spinach or any leafy greens. Adjust the cooking time for the veggie you pick.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze it for 2-3 months and reheat on low. Add a splash of water if needed.
→ What can I use instead of coconut milk?
Go for soy or almond cream for a lighter version. It won't be as creamy but stays flavorful.

Sweet Potato Curry

A creamy plant-based curry featuring sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and kale, with gentle spices. A healthy, filling, and comforting dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 2 Servings (Makes 2 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 large sweet potato.
02 1 coconut milk can, 400 ml.
03 A handful of kale or baby spinach.
04 1 can of chickpeas, drained.
05 1 red chili, small.
06 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
07 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
08 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
09 A thumb-sized piece of peeled ginger.
10 4 garlic cloves, peeled.
11 1 onion, peeled.
12 Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped.
13 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Chop up the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili into smaller pieces. Blend them in a food processor to make a smooth paste.

Step 02

Heat up the coconut oil in a pot. Stir in the blended mix and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the cumin and curry powder, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 03

Toss in the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook on low for around 15-20 minutes until the potatoes get soft.

Step 04

Pop in the kale or spinach and let it cook for an extra 5 minutes.

Step 05

Dish it out warm over rice and sprinkle some cilantro over the top.

Notes

  1. This vegan curry is packed with protein from the chickpeas and bursting with vitamins from the greens.
  2. You can make it ahead of time and gently reheat it when needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Food processor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 12 g