Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake

Name: Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Inspiration

I absolutely love this Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake! It combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the vibrant freshness of spinach. Every bite feels nourishing and satisfying. I often make this dish when I want to impress guests with a hearty, healthy meal that's also easy to prepare. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Created by

Isadora Pembroke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:41:36.857Z

When I first attempted this Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake, I was pleasantly surprised by how well everything came together. The combination of textures really amazed me, with the creamy sweet potatoes harmonizing beautifully with the tender lentils and fresh spinach. I remember thinking that this dish would be a favorite with my friends who are always looking for healthy vegetarian options.

One of my favorite tips is to use freshly cooked lentils, as they add a wonderful flavor compared to canned ones. This not only enhances the taste but also allows me to control the seasonings, creating a truly personalized dish. I love serving this bake topped with a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Nutritious ingredients in every bite
Comforting flavors that warm the soul
Versatile enough for any occasion

The Nutritional Powerhouse

This Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and essential vitamins. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, offering a hearty alternative for meatless meals. Combined with fresh spinach, which is packed with iron and vitamins A and C, this dish supports overall health while delighting the palate.

Incorporating lentils into your diet is easy with this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, enhancing the dish's overall depth. What's more, they are low in fat and high in fiber, making them perfect for maintaining digestive health. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, filling option, lentils are your friend here.

Essential Cooking Techniques

When preparing the lentils, it’s important to give them enough time to cook until they become tender but not mushy. Keeping a close eye on the cooking time—around 25 minutes—ensures that you achieve the perfect texture. If overcooked, lentils can lose their shape and turn into a mushy base. A quick tip is to taste them a few minutes before the timer goes off to check their doneness.

Steaming the sweet potatoes is a great way to retain their natural sweetness and nutrients. They should be steamed just until tender, about 10 minutes, to ensure they hold their shape when baked. Overcooking them can lead to a watery texture that might affect the overall consistency of the bake. If you notice they are too soft, consider reducing the steaming time next time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake:

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

Once you have your ingredients ready, you can move on to the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake:

Prepare the lentils and sweet potatoes

In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and cook for about 25 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in another pot, steam the diced sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes until they are just tender.

Sauté the aromatics

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Combine all ingredients

Once the lentils and sweet potatoes are ready, mix them in the skillet along with the chopped spinach. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts, then remove from heat.

Bake the mixture

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also substitute the lentils with chickpeas if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, simply omit the feta cheese, or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative. This will keep the dish deliciously creamy and flavorful while meeting your dietary preferences. Additionally, you can alter the spices—try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.

For a heartier version, consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers to the sautéed aromatics. Sautéing them until golden can enhance their flavor profile significantly. You can also swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard, which stand up well to baking and add more texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly as these greens may require a longer wilting period.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can freeze it uncooked for up to two months. Just ensure that it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

When it comes time to serve, reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil if it starts to brown too much on top. This ensures a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy at any time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.

→ Can I freeze the Sweet Potato Spinach Lentil Bake?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure it's in an airtight container.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses lentils and sweet potatoes without any wheat products.