Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your understanding of healthy eating? This Curried Sweet Potato Lentil Salad is not just a recipe—it's a vibrant, nutrient-packed masterpiece that combines the warmth of Indian-inspired spices with the wholesome goodness of lentils and sweet potatoes. Imagine a dish that's quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress both health enthusiasts and food lovers alike!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or dust.
- In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils and cover with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- While lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cube the sweet potato into 1/2-inch uniform pieces.
- Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, curry powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast sweet potato cubes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are caramelized and centers are soft.
- Drain the cooked lentils and let them cool to room temperature. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro. Add them to the lentils.
- Once sweet potatoes are roasted and slightly cooled, gently fold them into the lentil mixture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Season with additional salt to taste.
- Toss all ingredients gently to combine, ensuring sweet potatoes and lentils are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Always rinse lentils thoroughly and avoid overcooking. The ideal texture should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Roasting Hack: For extra caramelization, cut sweet potato cubes slightly larger and ensure they're spread out on the baking sheet to promote even roasting.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the curry powder to your taste. For a more intense flavor, try using freshly ground spices.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep.
- Customization Options: Add some crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve at room temperature for the best flavor profile, and consider it as a standalone meal or a stunning side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
