Easy Sweet Potato Curry Recipe 

 Last Update May 15, 2024

By Jenny Zhang

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Imagine the delicate sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes mingling with a medley of aromatic spices bathed in a luxurious coconut-infused sauce. This delightful concoction delivers a burst of flavor and offers many health benefits. Sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins and add a nutritional punch to this enticing dish. Perfect for individuals who love sweet potatoes or coconut curry.

In this post, I'll guide you on making a quick and easy sweet potato curry that just may become one of your new go-to recipes.

Easy Sweet Potato Curry Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Rest Time
0 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

  • Cooking Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 399
  • Courses: Main Dish
  • Best Season: Any

Ingredients

  • 2 Chicken Breasts, Boneless And Skinless, Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces
  • 1 large orange sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 purple sweet potato, peeled and Sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Handful Of Sweet Thai Basil or fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic until the onion turns translucent.

2. Add the diced sweet potato, stir until they become tender, and remove them into a bowl and let it cool.

3. Place the chicken breast pieces into the skillet and cook until they lose their pink color. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken and stir thoroughly to ensure an even coating of the spices.

4. Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli, and sliced purple sweet potato to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.

5. Pour coconut milk into a blender and add curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, paprika, and cooked sweet potato. Blend until smooth, then transfer the mixture to the skillet. If a blender is not available, you can use an immersion blender.

6. Allow the mixture to simmer and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until the chicken and purple sweet potato are fully cooked.

7. Sample the sweet potato curry and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir thoroughly.

6. Serve the sweet potato curry while hot, either alongside steamed rice or with naan bread.

sweet potato coconut chicken curry

Tips & Notes

Cut ingredients uniformly: Try to cut the chicken breast, sweet potato, purple potato, and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and consistent textures throughout the curry.

Adjust spice levels: Adjust the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder curry, start with smaller amounts and add more gradually.

Add Some Heat: If you love spicy curry, you will want to add heat to this recipe. Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to make this sweet potato curry spicy.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4


Calories

399


% Daily Value*


Total Fat 24.7g

32%


Saturated Fat 19.4g

97%


Cholesterol 32mg

11%


Sodium 75mg

3%


Total Carbohydrate 33.7g

12%


Dietary Fiber 8.1g

29%


Total Sugars 8g



Protein 16g



Vitamin D 0mcg

0%


Calcium 82mg

6%


Iron 4mg

24%


Potassium 1145mg

24%


*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Add vegetables at the right time: Consider the cooking times for the vegetables. While sweet and purple sweet potatoes may take longer to cook, bell peppers and broccoli cook relatively quickly. Add the vegetables accordingly to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.

Cook Sweet Potatoes: You can roast or bake sweet potatoes instead of cooking them on the stove. If you love eating sweet potatoes and have leftovers, you can use those instead.


What Ingredients You Will Need To Make Sweet Potato Curry

Chicken Breast

Boneless and skinless chicken breast is a versatile and lean source of protein. It contributes to the curry's substance, producing a more substantial and satisfying dish. Chicken breast readily absorbs the spices and coconut milk flavors during cooking, infusing the delicious curry with its succulent taste.

Bell Pepper

Bell peppers in various colors like red, yellow, and green add visual appeal and a delightful crunch to the sweet potato curry. They contribute a slightly sweet and refreshing taste, balancing the creaminess of the coconut milk and the earthy flavors of the other ingredients.

Sweet Potato

Chopped sweet potatoes introduce a delightful hint of natural sweetness and lend a creamy texture to the curry. Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, they add depth to the flavor profile and provide nutritional benefits. The sweet potatoes become tender and luscious when cooked, creating a velvety base for the curry.

Purple Sweet Potato

Purple sweet potatoes are known for their vibrant purple flesh, which adds a visually stunning element to the sweet potato curry. The contrasting hues of orange, purple potatoes, and purple sweet potatoes create an eye-catching presentation, making the dish visually appealing.

Purple sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor compared to regular ones. They have a subtle nuttiness and a creamier texture, which can add depth and richness to the curry. The combination of sweet potatoes brings a delightful balance of flavors.

Broccoli

Broccoli florets impart a fresh and crunchy component to the curry. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccoli adds nutritional value and a pop of vibrant green color to the dish. It complements the other ingredients while maintaining its distinct texture even after cooking.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk serves as the creamy and luscious base of the sweet potato curry. Extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, it adds a delightful tropical flavor and a hint of natural sweetness. The creamy consistency of coconut milk enriches the curry's texture and helps balance the spices and bring all the ingredients together.

Onion, Garlic, And Ginger

These aromatic ingredients establish the flavorful base of the curry. Finely chopped onion adds savory depth, while minced garlic and grated ginger bring pungency and warmth to the dish. Together, they infuse the curry with rich aromas and a harmonious blend of flavors.

Curry Powder

Curry powder is a unique blend of spices that varies in composition depending on the region and brand. It typically includes coriander, ground cumin seeds, turmeric, and fenugreek. It adds complexity and depth to the curry, bringing warmth, earthiness, and a distinct curry flavor to the dish.

If curry powder is not available, you can use red curry paste, garam masala, or any curry paste.

Turmeric, Cumin, And Paprika

These individual spices work with the curry powder to enhance the flavor profile. Turmeric imparts a vibrant yellow color and a subtle earthy taste. Cumin adds a warm and nutty aroma, while paprika contributes a mild smokiness that complements the other spices. To add extra smokiness, you can opt for smoked paprika.

Salt And Pepper

These fundamental seasonings play a vital role in balancing the curry flavors. Salt enhances the natural taste of the ingredients and brings out their flavors, while pepper adds a gentle spiciness that complements the overall profile of the dish.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is employed to sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and chicken. Its high smoke point and neutral flavor make it suitable for cooking the ingredients evenly without overpowering their individual tastes.

Lime Juice

Adding lime juice brings a vibrant and zesty element to the curry, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The citrusy tang can pleasantly contrast the rich and creamy coconut milk, balancing the richness with a touch of freshness.

Sweet Thai Basil

Sweet Thai basil has a distinct, sweet, and slightly peppery aroma that can infuse the curry with an enticing fragrance. The basil releases its natural oils as it cooks, permeating the dish with a delightful scent that can awaken your senses.

Alternatively, you can try sweet Thai basil and fresh cilantro to enhance the dish with its fresh, vibrant flavor.

What To Serve With Sweet Potato Curry

Steamed Rice: You can serve sweet potato curry with steamed rice. Fragrant basmati rice or jasmine rice is a classic choice to serve alongside the curry. The fluffy rice acts as a neutral base, allowing you to enjoy the flavors and creamy texture of the curry.

Cauliflower Rice: You can use cauliflower rice for low-carb or gluten-free options.

Naan bread: You can serve sweet potato curry with naan bread. The soft and pillowy naan bread is ideal for scooping up the curry and savoring each delectable bite. Its slightly chewy texture and subtle flavor provide a delightful contrast to the creamy curry.

Roti or Chapati: These traditional Indian flatbreads are another great option to accompany the curry. They are typically crafted from whole wheat flour and exhibit a slightly flaky and layered texture.

Papadums: The meal is enhanced by adding crispy and thin papadums made from lentils, providing a delightful crunch. These traditional Indian crackers can be enjoyed independently or used to scoop up the curry.

Raita: Raita, a refreshing side dish made with yogurt, perfectly complements the spiciness of the curry and offers a cooling effect. It can be made with grated cucumber, chopped tomatoes, mint, cilantro, and spices like cumin and chaat masala.

creamy sweet potato curry

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How To Store Leftovers

Allow the curry to cool to room temperature before storing it. Transfer the leftover curry to airtight containers or resealable bags. Make sure the containers are suitable for storing food and have tight-fitting lids to keep the curry fresh. To ensure food safety, promptly place the containers in the refrigerator. It is important to refrigerate the leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Sweet potato curry with chicken breast and vegetables can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure that the leftovers are reheated thoroughly before consuming.

If you have a large quantity of leftovers or you won't be able to consume them within a few days, you can freeze the curry. Transfer the cooled curry into containers or freezer bags that are suitable for freezing, ensuring to leave some room for expansion. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw the frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight.

When reheating the leftovers, heat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to consume. You can reheat the curry on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Can I Use Different Types Of Sweet Potatoes?

Certainly, feel free to experiment with various types of sweet potatoes, including orange, purple, or white varieties. Each type may slightly alter the flavor and color of the curry.

Can I Substitute Chicken With Another Protein?

Certainly, you can substitute chicken for alternative proteins like tofu, shrimp, or canned chickpeas to create a vegetarian or vegan curry. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein of your choice.

Can I Use Light Coconut Milk Instead Of Full-Fat Coconut Milk?

Certainly, if you prefer a lighter rendition of the curry, you can opt for light coconut milk as an alternative. However, note that the texture and richness of the curry may be slightly affected.


Jenny passionately advocates a holistic and natural approach to health and well-being. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and years of working in food sciences, specializing in organic & natural products. She is committed to helping others embrace a balanced, natural lifestyle that fosters well-being. Jenny believes that a harmonious balance between nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness is the key to unlocking the full potential of one’s well-being.