Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

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Enjoy a delicious bowl of Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Lentil Curry that's not only bursting with flavour but can also be effortlessly whipped up on your stove top or in a pressure cooker.

Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry in a black frying pan with wooden spoon, fresh coriander visible in background.

As a curry enthusiast, it's no secret that Slimming Eats boasts an array of curry recipes, but one that truly stands out is this tantalizing Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Lentil Curry. With the sweet potato lending its natural sweetness to counterbalance the heat of the chili, every mouthful is a savoury sensation you won't forget.

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Calories in Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry
Ingredients Needed
Variations/Additions
Cooking Curry in a Pressure Cooker
Sides for Curry
More Curry Recipes
FAQ for Chicken, Sweet Potato Lentil Curry
Recipe Card

Calories in Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

This Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry serves 4 and is 352 calories per serving.

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Ingredients Needed

Here are some notes on the ingredients used in this recipe:

Cooking Oil Spray: Cooking oil spray helps to prevent sticking and ensures even cooking while keeping the dish light and healthy. Use your preferred choice of low calorie spray, I prefer olive oil or avocado sprays without any added emulsifiers.
Onion: Onions serve as a flavour base, providing a savory depth to the curry while adding texture and aroma.
Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs offer a tender and juicy texture to the curry, absorbing the rich flavours of the spices and sauces.
Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic flavour and depth to the curry, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger offers a zesty and slightly spicy flavour, along with its warming and aromatic qualities, making it a key ingredient in curries.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a delightful natural sweetness to the curry, complementing the spices and enhancing the overall flavour profile.
Red Chillis: Red chillis bring a spicy kick to the dish, infusing it with heat and adding a vibrant colour to the curry.
Carrots: Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and earthy flavour to the curry, as well as providing additional texture and nutrients.
Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Turmeric: These spices provide the curry with a rich and aromatic flavour profile, with cumin adding warmth, coriander offering citrusy notes, and turmeric imparting vibrant colour and earthy undertones.
Red Lentils: Red lentils add texture and substance to the curry, thickening the sauce while providing a source of protein and fibre.
Passata: Passata serves as a base for the curry sauce, providing a smooth and rich tomato flavour that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Chicken Stock: Chicken stock adds depth of flavour and richness to the curry sauce, creating a savoury and well-balanced taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: These basic yet essential flavour enhancers are key for elevating the taste of your dishes. No food will ever be bland when these are used to season to taste.
Freshly Chopped Coriander: Fresh coriander adds a burst of freshness and herbal aroma to the finished dish, elevating its visual appeal and adding a final touch of flavour.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

close up of Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry in a black frying pan with wooden spoon.

Variations/Additions

Here are some variations and additions you can make to the curry:

Coconut Milk: Add coconut milk for a creamy and indulgent twist to the curry, balancing out the spices with its rich and sweet flavour.
Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to add colour, texture, and nutritional variety to the curry.
Protein: Substitute the chicken thighs with another protein of your choice, or for a vegetarian alternative use chickpeas or beans.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chillis or add chilli flakes to control the spice level according to your preference, making it milder or spicier to suit your taste.
Yoghurt: Stir in a dollop of yogurt at the end for added creaminess and tanginess, elevating the richness of the curry sauce.
Herbs: Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro (coriander) or mint leaves for a burst of freshness and herbal aroma, enhancing the overall presentation and flavour.
Citrus: Squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving to add a bright and zesty citrus note, enhancing the freshness of the curry.
Whole Spices: Experiment with whole spices such as cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, or cloves for a more intense and aromatic flavour profile, toasting them before adding to the curry.

Cooking Curry in a Pressure Cooker

You'll be pleased to learn that this recipe has also been tested in a pressure cooker.

Cooking curry in a pressure cooker is a game-changer, especially with a handy gadget like a Multi-Function Pressure Cooker. Starting off by sautéing the ingredients directly in the cooker not only saves time but also allows those beautiful flavours to develop. Then, just switch to pressure cook mode and let the magic happen. In just 10 minutes of pressure cooking, plus a bit of natural release time, your curry will be ready, packed with all those delicious flavours you love, but in a fraction of the usual cooking time.

The beauty of pressure cooking is how it transforms meat into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, all while infusing the dish with deep, rich flavours. Using a pressure cooker for this curry recipe guarantees a stress-free cooking experience that's perfect for any occasion

Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry in a copper double handled bowl with rice and coriander in background

Sides for Curry

Here are some delightful side options to consider pairing with this Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil curry:

Basmati Rice or Pilau: Basmati rice, sweetcorn pilau rice or courgette pilau rice serves as the ideal canvas for soaking up the rich flavours of the lamb kofta curry. Their fluffy texture and subtle nutty aroma complement the bold spices and tender meat, enhancing every mouthful of the dish.
Cauliflower Rice for a Low-Carb Twist: For those looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor, this Roasted Cauliflower Rice offers a delicious alternative. Light and fluffy, cauliflower rice absorbs the savory curry sauce just like its grain-based counterpart, providing a satisfying base for your lamb kofta while keeping the meal light and nutritious.
Warm Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy Garlic Naan Bread is a classic choice to accompany any curry dish, and lamb kofta curry is no exception. Tear off a piece of warm naan and use it to scoop up tender lamb koftas and creamy sauce for a truly indulgent experience. The contrast of textures and the subtle charred flavor of the naan adds an extra dimension to each bite.
Cucumber Raita: A refreshing cucumber raita made with yogurt, cucumber, mint, and a touch of cumin adds a cool contrast to the spicy curry.
Mango Chutney: Add a sweet and tangy touch to your meal with some mango chutney, perfect for dipping or drizzling over your curry.

More Curry Recipes

Looking for some other delicious low calorie curry recipes? Check out some of these:

or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.

FAQ for Chicken, Sweet Potato Lentil Curry

Can I freeze this curry?

Yes, you can freeze this curry for future enjoyment. Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I use a different type of lentils instead of red lentils?

It's best to stick with red lentils for this recipe. Red lentils cook relatively quickly and break down easily, creating a thick and hearty texture that complements the other ingredients in the curry. Using a different type of lentil may require adjustments to the cooking time and liquid ratio, potentially affecting the overall consistency and flavour of the dish.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs. However, it's worth noting that chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to contribute to the rich flavour of the curry. Chicken breast has a tendency to dry out more easily and may affect the consistency and flavour of the sauce.

Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry over rice in a bowl with spoon and sprinkled with coriander.

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Recipe Card

Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry (Stove Top and Pressure Cooker)

Yield: SERVES 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Enjoy a delicious bowl of Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Lentil Curry that's not only bursting with flavour but can also be effortlessly whipped up on your stove top or in a pressure cooker.

Ingredients

600g (21oz) boneless and skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bitesize pieces
1 sweet potato, roughly cubed (approx 200g)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 red chilis, finely chopped
1 carrot, roughly chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
Some finely grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 cup (240ml) of passata (or crushed tomatoes)
1 cup (240ml) of chicken stock
90g (3.2oz) of red lentils (uncooked)
salt and black pepper
handful of fresh coriander, chopped
low calorie cooking spray

Instructions

Stove Top:

Spray a deep pan with low calorie cooking spray
Add the onion and fry until softened.
Add the chicken, garlic and ginger and continue to cook until lightly brown.
Add the carrots, sweet potato and spices and mix to coat
Add the lentils, passata and stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for approx 35-40 mins until chicken, sweet potato and lentils are cooked. If the sauce reduces down too much, add a little more stock
Season with some salt and black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander
Serve with your choice of sides

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Spray the inner pan of the instant pot with cooking oil spray and set to sautés mode.
Once hot, Add onion and fry until softened
Add the chicken, garlic and ginger and continue to cook until lightly brown.
Add the carrots, sweet potato and spices and mix to coat
Add the lentils, passata and stock
Place the lid on the Instant Pot
Press the “manual” button and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 mins
When the instant pot finishes cooking allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 mins and then release any remaining pressure manually.
Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander
Serve with your choice of sides

Notes

Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:

Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
Gluten Free Friendly - use gluten free stock
Dairy Free Friendly
Freezer Friendly ❄️

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