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Comforting and delicious, this Sweet Potato Dahl is a fast and easy meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dahl is filled with warm Indian spices, kale, sweet potatoes, and yellow split peas. It's vegan, gluten-free, hearty, healthy, and nutrient rich!
Dahl is pretty much a staple in Indian cuisine.
I literally ate dahl (lentils) & sabji (vegetables cooked with Indian spices) for dinner almost every single day when I was growing up.
Somehow I didn't get tired of it - I think there's something about the warmth and spice of Indian cuisine that's comforting to me - something familiar that I can always come back to.
But, I do like mixing things up once in awhile. Usually, dahl is just lentils cooked with spices. You don't add things to it (like sweet potatoes or kale) - that'll seem odd to most traditional Indian cooks. But I have to tell you, this recipe is delicious, and it's a one-pot meal.
You can modify the spice level to make it richer or more bland depending on your preference. I like my dishes to pack a punch, so I added a heavy dose of Indian spices. However, if that's not for you, there are notes in the recipe card so that you can modify.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, We love to sit down with a huge helping of this Dahl with sweet potatoes for dinner. It's basically soul food and is so flavorful, and the texture is amazing. There is no wrong occasion to make this sweet potato dahl. It's great for busy weeknight meals or when you are hosting friends for a tasty dinner or make ahead lunch option.
Tools and Equipment You'll Need
Recipe Ingredients & Notes
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash the yellow split peas thoroughly, and chop up the onions and sweet potatoes. Heat a large pot over medium high heat and add the olive oil. Pour the cumin seeds and mustard seeds into the oil, let them cook for a few seconds until they start to pop. As soon as they begin to pop, add the onions, ginger, garlic and cumin powder, cook for a few minutes.
Step 2: Add the sweet potatoes, water, split peas, and 2 Tbsp curry powder. Stir well.
Step 3: If using a pressure cooker, seal the cooker and bring it up to high pressure. Cook at high pressure for 8 minutes; then remove from the heat and allow the pressure to come down naturally. If you're cooking it in a regular pot, cover the pot and simmer until the split peas are tender and beginning to break down, about an hour. Stir regularly to make sure that the split peas don't stick to the bottom of the pan, and add water if necessary.
Step 4: While the soup is cooking, wash the kale and remove and discard the tough central rib. Chop the leaves coarsely. When the split peas are cooked, add the kale to the pot. Season with salt, cayenne pepper, and additional 2 Tbsp curry powder (use less spice if you don't like things too spicy) and add additional water if the soup is too thick. Cover the pot.
Step 5: Serve warm, with brown rice, whole wheat naan or whole wheat tortillas, or all on its own!
What Makes This Sweet Potato Dahl Healthy?
- High in Protein: With 17 grams of plant protein per serving, this dish will keep you full and satisfied!
- High in Fiber: With almost 12 grams of fiber per serving you'll get your daily recommended fiber intake in this one dish! Fiber helps aid in digestion, and keeps you feeling fuller longer!
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: There is an overwhelming amount of vitamins and minerals in this dahl - vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium, copper, potassium, and manganese to name a few!
Will Kids Enjoy This Homemade Sweet Potato Dahl?
Yes, I have found that kids typically go devour this sweet potato dahl. If your children don't like spice, or this is the first time you're introducing it to them, I'd recommend omitting the cayenne and cutting back on the other spices, separating out their portion, and then adding the spices to the adult portions when you're ready to serve.
For super picky kids, you can omit most of the spices (except salt) altogether, and puree the dal so that the veggies are "hidden" amidst the lentils.
Recipe FAQs
What is dahl?
It's basically stewed/cooked lentils or split peas, but there are so many different kinds of Indian lentils & beans: Moong, Toor, Green Lentils, Chana, etc. that you can get pretty creative with your dahl recipes.
Dahl (or dal) is common in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It's popular because it is high in nutritional value, yet very inexpensive to make. With the added warm spices it's super flavorful. Traditionally served with rice or naan, it's a healthy, hearty meal!
How can I make this dahl spicier?
If you love to add heat to your meals, then you can easily make a few adjustments and additions to make it spicier. I recommend adding more cayenne pepper to taste. It packs a lot of heat, so don't go too wild at first. Another option is to add in some serrano pepper or some Indian green chiles.
I don't have yellow split peas. What can I use instead?
If you don't have yellow split peas you can use a variety of other types of lentils. I have found that red lentils are an easy replacement and taste fabulous as well. You could also use yellow lentils with a similar outcome. Depending on the lentils you use, cook time may vary.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Dahl
The traditional way to serve dahl is with a scoop of rice or naan bread. I suggest serving it with brown rice to increase the nutritional value, as well as looking for whole wheat naan or a whole wheat tortilla if you choose to go with that option.
It's a complete meal all on its own, but if you're looking to serve it alongside another dish, I suggest a light garden salad, or steamed vegetables.
How to Store and Keep
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator. It will keep for 4-5 days.
You can also freeze this sweet potato dahl, by transferring it to an airtight freezer safe container, after you allow it to cool. Remove any excess air. Label with contents and date. It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.
When ready to reheat, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. They bring to a simmer on the stove. Serve and enjoy!
Top Tips For Making Sweet Potato Dahl
- Feel free to substitute any type of lentil in this dahl. You can also use chickpeas or black eyed peas if you wish. Keep in mind when you make changes, the nutritional information and flavors may change as well.
- Whether you make the sweet potato dahl on the stovetop or in the pressure cooker, the results will be similar. Use whichever method works best for you.
- For young kids, omit the cayenne and reduce the other spices to make it more palatable.
- Don't add the kale until the end of the cooking process. It can turn from a bright vibrant green color to a dark green color if cooked too long.
- Feel free to switch up the veggies or add in your favorites! Butternut squash, pumpkin, corn, carrots or baby spinach would all work well in this dahl.
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