Transport your taste buds to West Africa with this incredibly satisfying Sweet Potato & Peanut Curry that combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the rich, nutty depth of creamy peanut butter in a warming, aromatic sauce. This hearty vegetarian curry serves 4 people generously and delivers complex layers of flavor that develop beautifully as sweet potatoes break down slightly to thicken the sauce naturally. The magic of this dish lies in how the earthy sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the protein-rich peanut base, while warming spices like ginger, cumin, and coriander create a fragrant backdrop that makes every spoonful incredibly comforting. Whether you’re exploring global cuisines or simply craving something nourishing and delicious, this curry proves that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary when combined with care and the right blend of spices.
Curry Base Ingredients
For the flavorful foundation:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
Aromatic Spice Blend
For authentic depth and warmth:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Fresh Additions and Garnishes
For brightness and texture:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
Building the Aromatic Base
Heat the coconut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it melts and becomes fragrant. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent with lightly golden edges.
The onion forms the sweet, caramelized foundation of your curry, so give it time to develop proper flavor. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until incredibly fragrant. These aromatics will create the base notes that make this curry so complex and satisfying.
Blooming the Spice Blend
Add the ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to the pot with the onion mixture. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until the spices become very fragrant and slightly darker in color. This technique of blooming the spices in oil releases their essential oils and creates much deeper, more complex flavors.
The kitchen should smell absolutely incredible at this point, with warm, earthy aromas that promise the delicious curry to come. Be careful not to let the spices burn, as they can become bitter.
Adding the Tomato Component
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the tomatoes cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly and concentrate their flavor. The acidity of the tomatoes will help balance the richness of the peanut butter later.
Add the bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper. The tomatoes should be starting to break down and create a chunky base for your curry.
Incorporating the Sweet Potatoes
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring gently to coat them with the spiced tomato mixture. The sweet potatoes will be the heart of this curry, so make sure they’re cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the liquid covers the sweet potatoes by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to maintain a steady simmer.
Creating the Peanut Butter Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with about 1/2 cup of the hot broth from the pot until smooth and well combined. This technique prevents the peanut butter from clumping when added to the curry. Gradually whisk in more hot broth until you have a smooth, pourable mixture.
Stir this peanut butter mixture back into the curry pot, combining it thoroughly with the sweet potatoes and vegetables. The curry should take on a beautiful golden-brown color from the peanut butter.
Simmering to Perfection
Add the coconut milk and stir gently to combine. Bring the curry back to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are completely tender and some pieces are beginning to break down.
The sweet potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, and some should be falling apart slightly, which helps naturally thicken the curry and creates a wonderful creamy texture contrast.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
The curry is ready when it has a thick, stew-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Some sweet potato pieces should remain whole while others have broken down to create natural thickening. If the curry seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes. If too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or coconut milk.
Adding Fresh Elements
Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes were particularly acidic. The flavors should be balanced, with the sweetness of the potatoes complementing the rich nuttiness of the peanut butter.
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes until they’re completely wilted and bright green. The spinach adds color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the rich curry base.
Final Flavor Adjustments
Add the fresh lime juice, which brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter and coconut milk. The lime should make the other flavors pop and create better balance in the finished dish.
Serving Your Curry Masterpiece
Ladle the hot curry over bowls of fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly and provides a neutral base that lets the curry flavors shine. The rice also helps balance the richness and makes the meal more filling.
Beautiful Garnishing
Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of roughly chopped roasted peanuts, which add a delightful crunch and reinforce the peanut flavor throughout the dish. The nuts should be visible and provide textural contrast to the smooth curry.
Finish with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright pop of color and herbal freshness that complements the rich, warm flavors beautifully.
Presentation and Serving
Serve with lime wedges on the side so each person can add extra citrus brightness to their individual taste. The lime wedges also add a beautiful color contrast on the plate.
Texture and Flavor Profile
Each spoonful should deliver creamy sweet potato pieces in a rich, nutty sauce with bright green spinach throughout. The peanuts add crunch, the cilantro provides freshness, and the rice ties everything together into a completely satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
This curry actually improves in flavor overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or coconut milk to restore the proper consistency.
Nutritional Benefits
This curry is incredibly nutritious, providing complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, healthy fats and protein from peanut butter, vitamins from spinach, and beneficial spices that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Customization Options
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. The heat level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
Dietary Adaptations
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. For those with peanut allergies, you can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter, though the flavor will be different but still delicious.
This recipe serves 4 people with hearty, satisfying portions that showcase how plant-based cooking can be incredibly flavorful, nourishing, and completely satisfying.
