Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and hearty meal that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner? Look no further than this sweet potato and chickpea stew! Bursting with bold flavors it's sure to delight your tastebuds. Not only is it full of flavor but it's also an inexpensive vegetarian option packed with tons of nutrients from sweet potatoes and chickpeas.
You can serve this Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew with rice or quinoa for an even more complete meal! I also like to serve this stew with Naan bread that I can dip in the sauce. Vary this recipe by adding spinach or fresh kale leaves and changing the chickpeas with another kind of legume, such as white beans, or lima beans or completely replacing them with frozen edamame
This stew makes 8 servings so if you are alone and you don’t want to eat leftovers all week, you can easily freeze it, it will keep up 3 months in the freezer.
If you love stew recipes here are some more you can make! Spicy White Bean Stew, Spicy Lentil Stew and Easy Chicken Goulash Stew
The Ingredients
Sweet Potato
- Adds a natural sweetness and hearty texture to the stew, balancing the spices.
- Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for their creamy texture and rich color.
- Cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
Diced Tomatoes
- Provides acidity and depth to the stew, complementing the creamy coconut milk.
- Canned diced tomatoes are convenient, but fresh diced tomatoes can be used for a lighter flavor.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes can add a smoky touch to the dish.
Coconut Milk (Full Fat or Light)
- Creates a creamy, rich base for the stew, balancing the spices and acidity.
- Full-fat coconut milk gives a richer texture, while light coconut milk is a healthier alternative with a thinner consistency.
- Shake the can well before using, as the cream and liquid can separate.
Cooked Chickpeas
- Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas make the stew hearty and filling.
- Use canned chickpeas for convenience, but rinse and drain them well to reduce excess sodium.
- If using dried chickpeas, soak and cook them ahead of time.
Cilantro
- Brightens the dish with its fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Use chopped leaves for garnish just before serving to preserve their vibrant taste.
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute with parsley or fresh mint.
Onion
- Provides a savory foundation for the stew and enhances the overall flavor.
- Yellow or white onions are ideal, but red onions can work for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Dice them finely to cook evenly and blend into the stew.
Garlic
- Adds an aromatic depth and enhances the flavor of the curry paste and spices.
- Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor, finely minced or crushed.
- Adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic intensity.
Curry Paste
- Delivers bold, complex flavors that form the backbone of the dish.
- Choose red, yellow, or green curry paste depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
- Adjust the quantity to control the heat level of the stew.
Cumin
- A warm, earthy spice that complements the curry paste and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Toast the cumin in the oil briefly before adding other ingredients to release its aroma.
- Ground cumin is commonly used, but whole cumin seeds can add texture if desired.
Oil
- Use just enough to coat the pan and help the aromatics release their flavors.
- Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and curry paste, creating a flavorful base.
- Coconut oil pairs well with the coconut milk, but olive oil or vegetable oil works too.
See the recipe card for quantities
Step-by-step preparation with photos
- Finely chop the onion. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into cubes about 1 inch.
- Over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and garlic cloves in the oil for about 2 minutes.
- Add the sweet potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes
- Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and spices.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately with rice if desired
FAQ'S
No, you just cook the sweet potatoes with the rest of the ingredients
You don't have to peel sweet potatoes before cooking them. However, most people prefer the smoother texture of peeled potatoes, especially in sweet dishes like sweet potato pie. If you keep the skins on your sweet potatoes, please remember to wash and scrub them well before cooking them
Recipe
Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 medium sweet potatoes cubed
- 1 can (19oz) chickpeas rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can coconut milk light or full fat
- 2 tablespoon curry paste or 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and the garlic. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into cubes about 1 inch.
- Over medium heat, in a large pot cook the chopped onion and garlic cloves in the oil for about 2 minutes.
- Add the sweet potatoes cook for another 3 minutes
- Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk and spices, stir to combine everything Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve on top of rice if desired
Leave a Reply