This Sweet Potato Stew is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
The natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with warming curry, cumin, and ginger, creating a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
Packed with fiber from the sweet potatoes and kale, plant-based protein from sunflower seed butter, and healthy fats, this stew is satisfying yet light.
Its high vitamin A content supports immune health, while potassium and iron contribute to overall wellness.
The recipe is incredibly versatile, working well as a make-ahead freezer meal or a quick stovetop option.
With minimal effort, you can enjoy a wholesome, flavorful, and hearty stew any day of the week, making it ideal for busy lifestyles and family meals.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results:
Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Perfect for hands-off cooking, allowing flavors to meld while keeping the sweet potatoes tender; ideal for meal prep or busy schedules.
Large Chef’s Knife
Essential for evenly dicing sweet potatoes, shallots, and kale; precise chopping ensures consistent cooking and a polished presentation.
Cutting Board
Provides a safe and sturdy surface for chopping vegetables; protects your countertops and makes cleanup easier.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Guarantee accurate ingredient portions, ensuring balanced flavors and consistent results every time.
Ladle
Ideal for serving the stew neatly, and useful for mixing in sunflower seed butter evenly without spilling.
Hearty Sweet Potato Stew
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker or Crockpot
- 1 Large Pot (for stovetop method)
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cubed (1–2 large)
- 1 shallot peeled and roughly chopped (~1/3 cup)
- 5 oz tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup lacinato kale roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup sunflower seed butter
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Roughly chop the shallot and kale. Measure out tomato paste, spices, broth, water, and sunflower seed butter so everything is ready.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the sweet potatoes, chopped shallot, tomato paste, curry powder, cumin, ginger powder, vegetable broth, and kosher salt into the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute spices and paste evenly.
- Slow Cook Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 8 hours. If using low heat, add an extra cup of water or broth to maintain a perfect consistency.
- Add Kale: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale along with 2 cups of water. Allow the kale to soften and absorb the stew’s flavors while maintaining a slight texture.
- Finish with Sunflower Butter: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the kale is soft, remove the lid and stir in the sunflower seed butter off the heat. This prevents the butter from separating and ensures a creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt, spices, or water to achieve your preferred flavor and consistency.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the stew into bowls, optionally garnish with roasted sunflower seeds or fresh cilantro, and serve immediately. Enjoy as a hearty, wholesome main dish or pair with your favorite bread.
Notes
- Use unsweetened sunflower seed butter to maintain a balanced flavor and creamy texture.
- Add sunflower seed butter at the end, off heat, to prevent separation or grittiness.
- Fresh ginger can replace dried ginger powder; adjust quantity to taste.
- Use Indian-style curry powder rather than Thai curry for authentic flavor.
- Optional garnishes include fresh cilantro or roasted sunflower seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth is recommended to control salt levels.
- Can be prepared as a freezer meal; combine main ingredients in a freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to cook.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Stew
The key to this sweet potato stew’s rich flavor lies in layering ingredients thoughtfully.
Cooking the sweet potatoes slowly in broth allows them to release natural sweetness, enhancing the overall depth.
Stirring in the sunflower seed butter at the end ensures a creamy texture without separating, while using Indian-style curry powder delivers authentic warmth and aroma.
Fresh herbs or roasted seeds as garnishes add contrast and elevate the dish’s presentation, making it both comforting and visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Flavor
Serve this stew hot as a main dish for a cozy dinner.
Pair it with warm crusty bread, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Garnishing with roasted sunflower seeds or fresh cilantro adds texture and brightness.
It also works well alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced, nutritious meal.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months, keeping the sunflower seed butter separate if possible.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to preserve flavor and texture, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stew
Can I use other squash instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Butternut or kabocha squash works well and offers a similar sweetness and texture. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on size.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. This recipe is already plant-based; ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of powdered?
Yes, use 1-2 teaspoons of finely minced fresh ginger. It will provide a brighter, slightly spicier flavor.
Can this stew be made on the stovetop?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a large pot, cover, and simmer over medium heat for 30–40 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
How can I thicken or thin the stew?
For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes. To thin, add water or broth gradually until desired consistency is reached.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by thedizzycook. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
