Sweet potato and peanut curry is the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth from the very first bite. Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, it’s a plant-based favorite that feels both nourishing and indulgent. With its vibrant color, bold flavor, and hearty texture, this curry is a perfect weeknight meal or make-ahead option for busy days.
At the heart of the dish are tender chunks of sweet potato, which bring natural sweetness and a soft, creamy bite. As they simmer, they soak up the flavors of the curry, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender without losing their shape. The peanut butter, yes, peanut butter, is the unexpected hero here. It adds body to the sauce and gives it a velvety, nutty richness that perfectly complements the spices.
The flavor base usually starts with sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger, followed by curry powder or paste, which gives the dish its warm, aromatic kick. Coconut milk adds creaminess, while vegetable broth or water helps it all come together into a smooth, silky sauce. Stirring in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter thickens the curry and creates that signature savory-sweet depth.
To balance the richness, a splash of lime juice or vinegar at the end brings brightness, and fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbal finish. You can also toss in greens like spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
This curry is versatile and forgiving. Serve it over rice or quinoa, or scoop it up with naan or flatbread. It’s just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for a variety of diets.
Sweet potato and peanut curry is more than just cozy – it’s bold, comforting, and packed with flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 onion medium, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger freshly grated
- 3 tbsp peanut butter smooth
- 1 can coconut milk full-fat
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1 cup spinach fresh, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes, curry powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes with the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the peanut butter until it is well combined with the broth.
- Add the coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Serve the curry with rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or peanuts.
Nutrition
Absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet potatoes and peanut butter is genius. I could eat this every week!
I totally agree! This recipe is a game changer. Such a good combo! I’ve made it twice already.
Absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet potato and peanut butter is just heaven. Will definitely make this again. 5 stars!
First time making curry, and it turned out surprisingly good! Thanks for the easy instructions.
Yum! This was a hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved it. Plus, it’s vegan, which is great for my friends! 5 stars.
This curry is the bomb! So creamy and full of flavor. My kids loved it too!
Hmm, sweet potatoes are too sweet for a curry, right? I put in some regular potatoes instead. Still edible.
I don’t think you should swap sweet potatoes for regular ones in a curry. The sweetness really adds to the flavor! But I’m glad it was still edible for you!
Too many steps for something that didn’t taste that great in the end. I’m not a good cook tho.
I totally get it! Cooking can be really overwhelming at times. Maybe try simplifying it next time? The flavor might surprise you! 😊
Lime juice? Didn’t have any, used lemon instead. It still tasted great!
This recipe is a lifesaver! I added some chickpeas for extra protein and it turned out great!
Chickpeas? That’s a neat touch! I gotta try that next time. This recipe is already super tasty!
Meh. I thought it would taste different. Sweet potato in a curry? Not my thing.
OMG, my kids loved it! I didn’t even tell them it was sweet potatoes! Sneaky mom win!
Didn’t have all ingredients, so used almond butter and added carrots. Still worked and was tasty! 3 stars.
Followed the recipe exactly but it came out too salty. Maybe reduce salt next time.
Easiest recipe ever! I was done cooking in no time, and it smelled amazing. Will definitely make again!
This sounds celly! I’ll try it cause I love curry n peanut butter 4 stars.
I thought this was gonna taste bad, but it’s actually good!!! The spices are jush right. 4 stars!
Just put everything in a pot and hope for the best! It turned out nice but takes a lot longer than the 15 mins.
I don’t know about waiting 15 mins. I just throw stuff in and hope too! 🤷♂️
Glad it turned out nice! Sometimes the cooking times are just suggestions, right? 😊
This recipe is too complicated for me. Why so many spices?
I’m not sure about peanut butter in curry…sounds weird. But I might try it.
I was skeptical too at first, but trust me, peanut butter adds a creaminess that’s just amazing! You have to give it a shot!
Tried this out but the curry powder was too strong for my taste. Maybe I’ll use less next time.
I love curry but too much can be overwhelming! Next time, just sprinkle a little and adjust as you go. 😊
Why’s the recipe called curry? This has more peanuts than spices. I see more peanut butter than curry flavor.
Easy and tasty. If you like peanut butter, you’ll love this dish!
5 stars for sure! I added some noodles to it and it became a full meal. Yum!
Really? Noodles in curry? I thought that was just for soups… I’m skeptical but maybe it works?
That sounds amazing! I love adding noodles to everything. Gonna try that next time!
Sweet potato? Yuck. I didn’t like it, but my son ate it. So there’s that. 1 star.
This was kinda weird… never thought to mix peanut butter with sweet potatoes. It was okay, but I don’t think I’ll make it again. 2 stars.
I added some chili flakes for heat, and it turned out amazing! Thanks for the great recipe! 4 stars!
Might wanna add more salt, if you like salty stuff like me. But not bad overall! 3 stars.