Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry
Description: This vibrant and aromatic Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish. Infused with a medley of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, it offers a perfect balance of warmth and earthiness, while the tender sweet potatoes and wilted spinach create a satisfying texture. Topped with toasted flaked almonds for added crunch, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Spice Level: Medium
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Serves: 4
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Views: 49,584
Rating: 3.7/5 (Based on 75 votes)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rapeseed oil | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Black mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Red onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 large cloves |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Green chillies (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Coriander seeds | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sweet potatoes (diced) | 1-2 (about 700g) |
| Fresh spinach (coarsely chopped) | 300g |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp |
| Flaked almonds (toasted) | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
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Prepare the Base: Heat the rapeseed oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Next, add the black mustard seeds. Once they begin to pop, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Flavor Infusion: Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sautรฉ for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to soften and release its aroma. Stir in the grated ginger and sliced green chillies. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a splash of water to keep it moist.
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Spice Paste: In a separate bowl, use a pestle and mortar to grind the coriander seeds into a fine powder. Mix the ground coriander with turmeric and a small amount of water to create a fragrant spice paste.
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Add the Spices: Once the onions have browned and softened, pour the spice paste into the pan. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the spices release their fragrance.
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Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Season the curry with salt and reduce the heat slightly. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pan, stirring gently to coat them in the spices. Let the mixture simmer for 25-30 minutes, checking occasionally but avoiding too much stirring. If necessary, add a splash of water to prevent the curry from drying out.
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Wilt the Spinach: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and soft, add the coarsely chopped spinach. Stir everything together and allow the spinach to wilt, which should take just a couple of minutes.
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Toast the Almonds: While the spinach is wilting, heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the flaked almonds and toast them for 1-2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set them aside.
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Finish the Dish: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the garam masala for a final burst of flavor. Serve the curry topped with the toasted almonds for a delightful crunch.
Tips & Advice:
- Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the number of green chillies or remove them entirely. For a spicier dish, feel free to add an extra chilli or a pinch of chili powder.
- Make it Creamier: For a richer texture, consider adding a dollop of coconut milk or a spoonful of plain yogurt just before serving.
- Nutritional Boost: For extra protein, add chickpeas or lentils to the curry. Both are great plant-based options that will complement the dish without overpowering the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: This curry pairs beautifully with warm basmati rice, quinoa, or flatbreads like naan. For an added touch, serve it with a side of mango chutney.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Nuts: The recipe includes toasted almonds as a topping, which may be a concern for those with nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free: The curry is naturally dairy-free and suitable for those following a dairy-free diet. However, if adding yogurt or cream for creaminess, it will no longer be dairy-free.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This dish is entirely plant-based, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: The ingredients do not contain any gluten, but be sure to check any store-bought components (such as garam masala) for hidden gluten.
- Vegan-Friendly: Without any dairy ingredients, this dish is also suitable for vegans, provided you opt for a plant-based yogurt or coconut milk if desired.
Conclusion:
The Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry is a satisfying, wholesome, and flavorful dish perfect for any vegetarian meal plan. The balance of earthy sweet potatoes, vibrant spinach, and fragrant spices creates a comforting, nutrient-rich dish that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to explore more plant-based meals, this curry will surely become a favorite.
Try this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, and donโt forget to sprinkle those toasted almonds on top for that extra crunch! Enjoy the deliciously hearty flavors of this dish with your loved ones.
