Sleep-Friendly Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew
A hearty stew of lentils and sweet potato simmered with warming spices, finished with a handful of spinach.
Once the vegetables and lentils are in the pot, this stew mostly takes care of itself, simmering until everything is tender and the kitchen smells like cumin and turmeric.
Lentils and sweet potatoes both provide steady, complex carbohydrates, the kind of grounding meal that's often recommended for evening comfort, which is why this stew is tagged for sleep and stress support. Smoked paprika adds depth, and the spinach stirred in at the end keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm, ideally with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
This stew keeps well in the fridge for several days and often tastes even better the next day, once the spices have had more time to settle in. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for an easy reheat on a busy night.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion — diced
- 2 cloves garlic — minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes — peeled and cubed
- 1 cup dried lentils — rinsed (green or brown)
- 4 cups vegetable broth — low sodium
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup baby spinach — optional, stirred in at the end
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt — to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- 2Add cubed sweet potatoes and lentils. Stir in cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika.
- 3Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- 4Season with salt and pepper. Stir in spinach just before serving if desired.
- 5Ladle into bowls and serve warm.