Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

Serves 2 

10 minute prep, 45 minute cook time 

Sweet potato and green lentil curry with brown basmati rice. This was day two of a transition to eating three days off animal-based protein and four days on, and honestly it was the first time I have enjoyed a curry without it containing animal protein. Infused with chilli and many other herbs and spices it packs a kick, but if you can handle the heat you’ll reap the rewards of a nutrition dense, low fat and tasty meal. 

What you’ll need:

½ red onion chopped 

1 red chilli chopped and deseeded 

5 cloves of garlic 

2 tsp cumin powder 

2 tsp cinnamon 

1 tsp coarse black pepper 

1 tsp ginger powder 

1 tsp cardamom powder 

1 tsp oregano 

½ tsp clove powder 

A pinch of salt 

500ml boiled water 

50 ml cream (I used vegan oat cream) 

3 bay leaves 

2 sweet potatoes 

200g green lentils 

A pinch of fresh coriander leaves 

Optional: garnish with more coriander

Method: 

1.       Preheat a pan and add 2 tbsp of oil (I used avocado because of its high smoke point). Once heated add your red onion, chilli and garlic and fry on a high heat for a couple of minutes. 

2.       Before the garlic burns, turn the heat down and start to add all of your herbs and spices. 

3.       Mix and add your hot water, cream, and bay leaves 

4.       Now add your sweet potato and lentils, with some fresh coriander leaves. Cover and cook for 35 minutes on a medium heat. 

The wonderful thing about sweet potatoes is their ability to keep you full for longer. This is because of the complex carbohydrates present, which metabolise very differently to your regular potatoes. This is especially good for someone wanting to lose weight for health reasons, and also for diabetics as sweet potatoes are unlikely to spike sugar levels, while giving a sustainable source of energy. Sweet potatoes are also packed with a number of vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals are vitamin A, vitamin C, choline, boosting the immune system, promoting good eye health, fertility, nails and skin, and maintaining healthy brain function and a healthy nervous system. 

Lentils on the other hand provide a different grouping of nutrients. Protein and fibre are vital parts of any diet as it is responsible for so many important functions. Protein is responsible for muscle and bone function and repair, and they also help keep hormones balanced. Surprisingly, low protein levels can even affect how our minds work. A lot of the neurotransmitters that help our brain relay information are made up of proteins, and a lack of them can actually lead to an inability to process our emotions healthily.

Fibre’s contribution is somewhat more versatile. While people will usually link fibre to helping with constipation and making us nice and regular, fibre has also been linked to helping stathe off certain types of cancer including breast and colon, and some research suggests it can be really good for our gut, which can help keep not only our immune systems healthy, but also have a stabilising effect on mental health when treated well.

***If you are thinking about a major diet change, please consult your GP first and do your research***

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