Sweet Potato Chickpea Dish

Featured in Sides That Aren't Boring.

This Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry mixes tender chunks of potato, hearty chickpeas, and fresh spinach in a creamy, spiced coconut sauce. Flavored with spices like cumin, curry powder, and coriander, it's vibrant, vegan, and naturally gluten-free. Done in just 35 minutes, this meal works for any busy dinner night and serves four. Store leftovers or freeze for later. Serve it with rice, red onions, and fresh coriander for a filling meal.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:44:53 GMT
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Sweet Potato and Chickpea Dish | mecooking.com

This soft and flavorful Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry turns basic ingredients into a deep, filling dish. The blend of smooth coconut milk with well-seasoned chickpeas and soft sweet potatoes makes a nourishing curry that soothes your body and mind. Every bite offers a nice mix of textures and tastes that'll take you right to the core of genuine Indian cuisine.

I've cooked this curry so many times for family get-togethers, and it always wows even the biggest meat fans. The way the sweet potatoes partly break down to naturally make the sauce thicker creates an amazing texture that has everyone grabbing more.

Required Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: Go for solid, orange ones with unblemished skin for just the right mix of sweet and starchy
  • Chickpeas: Thoroughly washed canned chickpeas do great, but cooking dried ones yourself adds extra bite
  • Coconut Milk: Use the high-fat version for the richest result and to bring out spice flavors fully
  • Fresh Spinach: Pick vibrant, fresh leaves to add nice color and good stuff for your body
  • Flavor Spices: Each one builds taste depth, from cozy cinnamon to grounding cumin

Cooking Steps

Flavor Foundation:
Slowly warm your biggest skillet and see the onions turn deliciously golden.
Spice Blend:
Brown your spice mix until your kitchen smells incredible.
Potato Process:
Toss in your cubes and watch them gradually soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Last Touch:
Mix in the spinach and let it swirl through the rich sauce.
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Tasty Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry | mecooking.com

My little girl always asks for this curry when it's cold outside, and I love seeing her get excited when she notices the sweet potatoes getting just right in the sauce.

Ideal Warmth

Serving at just the right heat lets all the rich flavors come through, while the coconut milk gives a velvety finish that wraps around every bite. Give the curry about 5-10 minutes to rest after cooking for the best thickness.

Great Pairings

Enjoy this warming dish with light basmati rice, fresh naan bread, or quinoa if you want extra protein. A side of cool cucumber raita makes a lovely contrast to the curry's deep flavors.

Custom Touches

Switch up this flexible curry by using butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes, throwing in some roasted cauliflower, or adding red lentils for more protein. Each change creates something different while keeping the dish's comforting feel.

Storage Tips

Keep any extras in a sealed container for up to four days, letting the tastes grow stronger over time. Warm up slowly on the stove, adding a bit of water or coconut milk to get it just how you like it.

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Close-up Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry Recipe | mecooking.com

After tweaking this dish for years, I've learned that taking your time is what makes it special – letting each ingredient build on the last one, creating a mix of flavors that work together perfectly. This curry isn't just food; it's a showcase of how simple things can make something truly amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this meal stay good in the fridge?
Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
→ Can you store this in the freezer?
Absolutely. Freeze it up to 3 months. Cool it completely before storing, then thaw it overnight in the fridge.
→ What other veggies can I toss in?
Try adding mushrooms, cauliflower, green beans, butternut squash, courgette, or peppers along with the sweet potato.
→ Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Sure thing—cook it on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in spinach before serving.
→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Serve it with fluffy boiled rice or aromatic pilau rice. Garnish with fresh coriander, thinly sliced red onion, and chili flakes if you like it spicy.

Simple Sweet Potato Dish

Creamy and cozy Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry cooked with coconut milk, fragrant spices, and spinach. Quick to make in only 35 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Essentials

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 large onion (or 2 smaller ones), diced finely
03 2 cups (60g) baby spinach, tightly packed
04 2 medium sweet potatoes (around 450g), peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
05 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or minced
06 2 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
07 1 tin (400g/14oz) of coconut milk, full-fat
08 2 tins (400g/14oz each) of chopped tomatoes
09 1 tin (400g/14oz) of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
10 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or puree

→ Flavoring and Spices

11 ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
12 ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
13 1 teaspoon of paprika
14 ½ tablespoon ground cumin
15 ½ teaspoon salt
16 2 tablespoons of mild curry powder
17 1 tablespoon ground coriander

→ Toppings and Sides

18 Hot cooked rice
19 Fresh coriander leaves to garnish
20 Slices of red onion
21 A pinch of red chilli flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Drizzle vegetable oil into a big frying pan and heat on medium. Toss in the diced onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, mixing often, until soft.

Step 02

Toss in minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and your chosen spices (curry powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper). Stir constantly for 60 seconds to bring out the aroma.

Step 03

Add in the sweet potato chunks, coconut milk, chickpeas, tomato puree, and canned tomatoes. Keep stirring and let everything come to a light simmer.

Step 04

Simmer gently for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the sauce, and stir every now and then. If it thickens too much, pour in a little water.

Step 05

Mix the fresh spinach into the curry until it softens. Spoon the curry over rice and add toppings like coriander, red onion, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Cook ahead! Keep in the fridge for no more than 2 days.
  2. Freezes well. Let it cool fully first, then freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  3. You can toss in extras like courgette, bell peppers, or cauliflower.
  4. Perfect for slow cooking! Use high for 3 to 4 hours, or low for 5 to 6 hours.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes coconut

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 553
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 14 g