Sweet Potato Curry

Found this in Bon Appétit magazine and its a winner, very good.  Simple to make and delicious, especially the next day.  I substituted red chili flakes for the Thai chile and used lemongrass paste (found it by the fresh herbs at the market) instead of the fresh (couldn't find).  Don't be afraid to make the full recipe and have leftovers for lunches during the week.  I also use this recipe to make a killer Thai fish stew, just substituted cod and some shrimp for sweet potato and added chopped kale.  Fish only needs about 8 minutes at the end to cook

SERVINGS: 12

1 lemongrass stalk, tough outer layer removed, coarsely chopped
1 2” piece ginger, peeled, chopped
4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Kosher salt
¼ cup red curry paste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 14.5-oz. can crushed tomatoes
2 13.5-oz. cans coconut milk
1½ pound sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1” pieces
¾ pound small or young carrots, peeled, cut on a diagonal into 2” pieces
6 medium shallots, peeled keeping roots intact, quartered lengthwise
1 red Thai chile, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Steamed jasmine rice (for serving)
Thinly sliced scallions, basil leaves, cilantro leaves with tender stems, and lime wedges (for serving)


Pulse lemongrass, ginger, and garlic in a food processor until very finely chopped.
Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add lemongrass mixture and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes; season with salt. Add curry and tomato pastes and cook, stirring, until darkened, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in coconut milk; season with salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until curry is rich and full of flavor, 20–25 minutes.
Add sweet potatoes and carrots, then pour in water to cover. Partially cover pot and cook until carrots are crisp-tender, 10–15 minutes. Add shallots and cook until potatoes are tender and shallots are soft, 15–20 minutes.
Add chile, if desired, and lime juice to curry and spoon over rice. Top with scallions, basil, and cilantro; serve with lime wedges.
Do Ahead: Curry can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.