If you love Thai food and want a quick, healthy dinner, then this Sweet Potato Red Thai Curry recipe is for you! This coconut curry with sweet potato recipe is a Thai-inspired dish that combined the delicious flavours of Thai red curry with sweet potatoes, sweet red pepper (paprika) and spinach. Sweet potato isn’t a traditional ingredient used in Thai curries, but it is absolutely delicious and goes so well with creamy coconut milk and spicy red curry flavours.
There are no boundaries when it comes to creating a vegetarian Thai curry. The options are endless. You can make it as simple or as complex as you like. You can toss in some lemon grass, some ginger, load up on garlic, and add pretty much any vegetable you can think of. Go ahead add lentils or chickpeas, make it green, yellow or red. Serve it with or without fish sauce.
What is the difference between red, green and yellow Thai curry paste?
First of all, don’t go by the color as an indication of spiciness!
- Fresh green chilies give green curry pastes a spicy kick as well as its color. It has a fresh and herbaceous flavor but isn’t as rich in flavor as red or yellow curry pastes.
- It’s red chilies that give red curry paste its bold color and depth of flavor. My favorite, it’s moderate in heat and give its dishes a deep, savory flavor.
- Yellow curry is influenced by South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines with turmeric, coriander and cumin. It’s the most mellow in heat, and the turmeric gives it its golden color and adds a little sweetness and tangy flavor to dishes.
Not only is this sweet potato red Thai curry nutritious, it is warm and comforting, and is quick, easy and vegetarian recipe that practically cooks itself. It’s perfect for cool days as a cozy weeknight meals and bonus: it tastes as good as ever reheated and served as leftovers the next day! Enjoy!
ps) a little secret, I added a little cooked turkey breast to my leftovers — OMG so yum!
Looking for other red Thai curry recipe inspiration?
Try one of these favourtite red curry recipes:
- Thai Red Curry with Grilled Pineapple-Prawn-Skewers
- Chicken and Mango Red Thai Curry
- Vegetarian Thai Red Curry
Sweet Potato Red Thai Curry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 sweet potatoes, preferably organic, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 x 400 ml can coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (250 ml)
- 1 sweet pointed red pepper, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 4 handfuls fresh baby spinach (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon Thai fish sauce (Squid Brand)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
To serve (optional):
- cilantro leaves, as garnish
- unsalted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
- steamed rice
Method
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Heat the coconut oil in a large wok or heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until softened and fragrant. Add the sweet potatoes and stir to coat with the oil, then add curry paste and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes.
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Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a light simmer, cook uncovered for 15 minutes, until the sweet potato is slightly softened. Add the sweet red pepper, cook for 5-10 more minutes, then stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
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Stir in the fish sauce. Remove from the heat and add the lime juice.
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Divide the rice among bowls. Spoon the curry over the rice and top with the remaining peanuts. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Notes
I like to serve a whole grain alternative with my sweet potato red Thai curry -- usually whole grain brown basmati rice or barley. Even quinoa or buckwheat make great options.
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So easy and delicious!
Thanks Sarah, so glad you enjoyed this recipe!