Harissa Coconut Lentils with Kale & Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This dish brings together creamy coconut-braised lentils, tender kale, and golden roasted sweet potatoes for a nourishing Mediterranean-style bowl with North African flair. The harissa adds warmth and depth—but it’s easy to keep it mild and aromatic rather than spicy. Cozy, plant-based, and deeply satisfying.
⏱ Time & Servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35–40 minutes
Total: ~55 minutes
Serves: 4
🧾 Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Harrisa Coconut Lentils
1½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1–2 tsp mild harissa paste (start with 1 tsp)
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Greens & Finish
3 cups kale, stems removed & chopped
Lemon wedges
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Optional: yogurt or coconut yogurt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Roast Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika
Roast 25–30 minutes, turning once, until caramelized and tender
2️⃣ Start the Lentils
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat
Add onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft
Add garlic; cook 30 seconds
3️⃣ Build Flavor
Stir in harissa, cumin, coriander, and tomato paste
Cook 1 minute until fragrant
Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, broth, and bay leaf
4️⃣ Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat
Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and saucy
5️⃣ Add Kale
Stir kale into hot lentils
Cook 3–5 minutes until wilted
Adjust salt and thickness (add broth if needed)
6️⃣ Serve
Spoon lentils into bowls
Top with roasted sweet potatoes
Finish with lemon juice, herbs, and yogurt if using
🌟 Why This Dish Works
Coconut milk balances harissa warmth
Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness
Lentils provide plant protein & fiber
Kale keeps it fresh and nutrient-dense
📝 Tips
Use rose or mild harissa
Start small—you can always add more
Add extra coconut milk if heat feels strong
Lemon at the end softens spice beautifully
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Can I make it non-spicy?
Yes—use ½ tsp harissa or replace with paprika + tomato paste.
Best lentils?
Green or brown hold their shape best.
Meal prep friendly?
Excellent—keeps 3–4 days and tastes better next day.
🥗 Nutrition information
Calories: 430
Protein: 18 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 14 g