Sweet Potato, Leek Curry

This warming curry balances all six Ayurvedic tastes, making it especially grounding for Vata dosha during fall and winter seasons. The sweet qualities of sweet potato and coconut milk ground and nourish Vata. Warming spices kindle digestive fire (agni) without aggravating Pitta. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and root vegetables creates a deeply satisfying meal that promotes stability and warmth during cold, dry, windy seasons. TRUST ME IT’S DELICIOUS!!!

Ingredients: (Serves 2-3)

• Sweet Potatoes (2 medium) - Sweet, grounding 

• Extra Firm Tofu (1 package/14-16 ounces) - Sweet, Astringent 

• Option to substitute for chicken or salmon and cook separately

• Leek (1 large) - Sweet, Pungent 

• Yellow Onion (1 small-medium) - Pungent 

• Sweet Baby Kale or Spinach (2 cups/small bunch) - Bitter, Astringent 

• Ghee (2 tablespoons) - Sweet

• Vegan option: Coconut Oil 

• Coconut Milk (1 cup) - Sweet 

• Cumin Seeds (2 teaspoons) - Pungent

• Coriander Powder (1 teaspoon) - Sweet, Bitter, Astringent

• Turmeric (½ teaspoon) - Pungent, Bitter, Astringent

• Ground Ginger (½ teaspoon or 1 tablespoon fresh grated) - Pungent

• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon) - Pungent 

• 1 Lime (squeezed) - Sour

• Salt to taste 

• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) - Pungent

Recipe:

1. Cube sweet potatoes and tofu (press tofu first)

2. Heat ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant

3. Add diced onion and sliced leek (white and light green parts). Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes

4. Add spice mixture: ginger, turmeric, coriander, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices

5. Add cubed sweet potato and tofu. Stir gently to coat with spices

6. Add a splash of water, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until sweet potato is tender

7. Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes to create a creamy sauce

8. Add baby kale or spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spice aroma is fragrant and kale is wilted

9. Squeeze lime juice

10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and salt to taste

11. For an even heartier meal, serve with basmati rice or quinoa