Sweet potato breaks down just enough to thicken the coconut broth, so the stew needs no flour and no cream. One pot, pantry chickpeas, and whatever kale is in the crisper.

One-Pot Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Kale Stew

Scale

Method

Warm the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent.
6 min
Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant — it will smell sharp if it catches, so keep it moving.
1 min
Add the sweet potato, chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, stock and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
3 min
Partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is tender when pierced with a knife and the stew has thickened slightly.
13 min
Stir in the kale a few handfuls at a time, letting each batch wilt before adding more. Simmer until the kale is tender but still bright.
4 min
Taste and adjust salt. Serve with lime wedges squeezed over the top.

Substitutions

Sweet potato — Butternut squash works the same way and cooks in about the same time.
Kale — Spinach or Swiss chard. Spinach needs only a minute to wilt, so add it last.
Coconut milk — Light coconut milk for a thinner, less rich stew; the texture will be looser.
Curry powder — 1 teaspoon turmeric plus 1/2 teaspoon coriander and a pinch of cinnamon for a similar warmth.

Storing leftovers

Keeps four days in the fridge in a sealed container and freezes well for up to three months. The sweet potato continues to soften as it sits, so reheat gently over low heat with a splash of stock or water to loosen it.

Questions

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes. Cook 1 cup dried chickpeas until tender first (soaked overnight, then simmered about an hour), which yields roughly the same amount as two cans.

Why did my coconut milk look curdled?

That happens if it hits a hard boil. Keep the stew at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk goes in and it will stay smooth.

Is this very spicy?

No — curry powder and cumin give warmth, not heat. The red pepper flakes are optional and easy to leave out entirely.

What should I serve it with?

Rice or warm flatbread soaks up the broth well. It is also filling enough to eat on its own with the lime.