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Sweet Potato and Lentil Crock-Pot Stew

This makes me want to sing.

It's possible that I should just delete my blog postings and make this URL redirect to Pinch of Yum, because a good portion of the things I cook now are from that site. And almost all of them have become favorites. 

I'm at the point now where I'm trying recipes from Pinch of Yum that don't initially sound that good to me, because I trust Lindsay that I will love it. She has yet to let me down. In this case, I'm not big on stew, or coconut milk, or anything with chunks of potatoes. But I was lured in by how healthy, cheap, and easy it looked to make. And guess what? It was delicious.

Bonus: SO MANY LEFTOVERS.
I'm more excited about going back to work now that these are waiting for me.

My only change to the original is that while she uses 3 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of water, I used 4 cups of vegetable broth, because that's the amount in a box and I hate having ingredients left over. And I added the cilantro. Also, I needed more cooking time, but I think my Crock-Pot might be less hot than some.

UPDATE: As delicious as it was with coconut milk the first time I make it, almost milk agrees with me better, so I tried making that substitution and it was ALMOST as delicious. I topped it with plain yogurt to add more creaminess and it was perfect. I also have started mashing the yams after they're cooked and I prefer that texture.

UPDATE #2: INSTANT POT!!! It tastes better and it's faster. Instructions added below.


The Recipe (taken from Pinch of Yum):
3 large sweet potatoes or yams, diced (I prefer yams)
4 c vegetable broth
1 onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp garam masala
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c uncooked red lentils, rinsed
1 can coconut milk or 1 1/2 c almond milk
cilantro and plain yogurt for garnish, optional

CROCK-POT INSTRUCTIONS
  • Put all ingredients except lentils and coconut milk in Crock-Pot Cook on high until potatoes are soft (mine took about 4 1/2 hours).
  • Add lentils and coconut milk and cook on high until lentils are broken down (mine took another 2 hours).
  • With a potato masher, break up the yams to desired consistency.
  • Garnish with cilantro and plain yogurt.
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
  • Saute the onions and garlic until the onions are soft.
  • Add all other ingredients.
  • Pressure cook for 12 minutes. Natural release.
  • Garnish with cilantro and plain yogurt.

The Verdict:
Overall grade: A
Overall reason: Great flavor, healthy, easy, and cheap
Time to prepare: 10 minutes, plus 6 1/2 hours to cook
Husband quote: "I want ice cream."

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