Name: One Pan Creamy Lentils, Japanese Sweet Potatoes, + Kale
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484809H48M3S
Total time: PT-484809H48M3S
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Japanese sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup coconut milk (or other plant-based cream); 3 cups fresh kale, chopped (stems removed); ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice

This one pan creamy lentils with Japanese sweet potatoes and kale is the kind of cozy, nourishing meal I crave on a chilly day. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein, sweet roasted potatoes, and tender greens—all simmered together in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting without being heavy, and it all comes together in one pan. The lentils add earthy richness, the Japanese sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and creaminess, and the kale gives it a fresh, vibrant finish. It’s a complete meal that’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of flavor—and cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Yellow onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Japanese sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Green or brown lentils (rinsed)
Vegetable broth
Coconut milk or plant-based cream
Fresh kale (chopped, stems removed)
Thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice (for brightness)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
I sauté the onion for a few minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic.
I add the diced Japanese sweet potatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, letting them brown slightly.
I stir in the lentils and pour in the broth, bringing it to a boil.
I reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
I pour in the coconut milk, add the chopped kale, and simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the kale is wilted and everything is creamy.
I season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 35–40 minutes to cook. I usually have it on the table in under an hour.

Variations

I’ve used red lentils for a softer texture—they cook faster but break down more.
Swapping in spinach or chard for the kale works just as well.
I sometimes add a spoonful of miso or nutritional yeast for extra umami flavor.
For spice, I stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce at the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It thickens as it sits, so I add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well—just thaw and reheat for an easy meal later.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweet potatoes?

Yes, I’ve used orange sweet potatoes too. They’re softer and a bit sweeter than Japanese varieties but still delicious.

Do I need to soak the lentils first?

Nope. Green and brown lentils cook quickly without soaking—just rinse them well before adding.

Can I make this in a pressure cooker?

Definitely. I cook everything except the kale and coconut milk on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then stir those in at the end.

Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

Yes, I’ve used cashew cream, oat milk, or even a little non-dairy yogurt stirred in for creaminess.

How do I keep the kale from getting too bitter?

I make sure to remove the stems and add a bit of lemon juice at the end—it brightens everything and tames the bitterness.

Conclusion

This one pan creamy lentils with Japanese sweet potatoes and kale is everything I want in a weeknight dinner—easy, hearty, and wholesome. It’s full of plant-powered nutrition, comforting textures, and bold, balanced flavors. Whether I’m meal prepping or just feeding my family something cozy and clean, this dish never disappoints.