Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry

A warming recovery curry built for training weeks: lentils for steady protein, sweet potato for glycogen-friendly carbs, and spices that make leftovers taste even better on day two.

Dinner Recovery Meal Prep High Protein

Ingredients (3–4 servings)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or water sauté)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp curry powder (or mix: cumin + coriander + turmeric)
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
  • 1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2–2.5 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 can coconut milk (optional for richness)
  • 2 big handfuls spinach (stir in at the end)
  • Salt + lime/lemon to finish

Want a faster dinner variant? Try Chickpea & Vegetable Stir‑Fry.

Steps

  1. Build the base: sauté onion with oil + pinch of salt until soft, then add garlic + ginger for 30 seconds.
  2. Toast spices: stir in curry powder and cook 20 seconds so it smells “warm,” not raw.
  3. Simmer: add sweet potato, lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 18–22 minutes until lentils break down.
  4. Finish: stir in coconut milk (optional) and spinach. Add lime/lemon and salt to balance.
  5. Serve: over rice/quinoa, or with roasted potatoes if you want extra carbs.

Training timing

After training: This is a great “real meal” recovery option. Add rice for endurance days (see Endurance) or add tofu cubes for a higher protein ceiling (see High Protein).

Before training: If you’re training within 2 hours, keep portions moderate—lentils are fiber-rich. For a lighter pre-workout choice, use Power Green Smoothie Bowl.

Muscle gain: Make it “bigger” on purpose—don’t accidentally diet. Pair with the portion strategy on Muscle Gain.

Leftovers (where this curry shines)

Day 2 tastes better because the spices mellow and the lentils thicken. For meal prep, portion into containers with a carb base. If you’re building a weekly rotation, the Meal Prep page shows how to pair one “big pot” meal with 1–2 fast meals like Tofu Scramble.