• Before starting, preheat the oven to 450˚F. 
• Remove 2 tbsp (4 tbsp) butter from the fridge and set aside to come up to room temperature. 
• Wash and dry all produce.
• Peel, then cut shallot into 1/4-inch pieces. 
• Roughly chop cilantro.
• Peel, then cut sweet potato into 1/4-inch pieces. 
• Using a strainer, drain and rinse shrimp, then pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. 
              

• Heat a large pot over medium.
• When hot, add 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) butter, then swirl until melted.
• Add shallots. Cook for 2-3 min, stirring often, until slightly softened.
• Add Indian Spice Mix, ginger-garlic puree and curry paste. Cook for 30 sec, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

• To the pot, add sweet potato, lentils, stock powder, coconut milk and 1/3 cup (2/3 cup) water. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
• Bring to a simmer over medium-high. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover partially and cook for 9-12 min, stirring occasionally.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 min, stirring occasionally, until sweet potato is tender and shrimp just turn pink.*

• Meanwhile, halve buns.
• Spread 2 tbsp (4 tbsp) softened butter on cut sides.
• On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange bottom buns, buttered-side down. Carefully top with cheese. Arrange top buns on bottom buns, buttered-side up.
• Place another piece of parchment paper over top of buns, then press down with another baking sheet to flatten slightly.
• Keep the top sheet on and bake toasties in the bottom of the oven for 4-5 min per side, until cheese melts and buns are browned and crisp.

• To the stew, add spinach and half the cilantro.
• Cook for 1-2 min, stirring occasionally, until spinach wilts.
• Season with salt and pepper.

• Divide lentil stew between bowls.
• Sprinkle remaining cilantro over top.
• Cut toasties in half and serve alongside.

If you've opted to add shrimp, using a strainer, drain and rinse shrimp, then pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. 

Once stew has cooked for 9-12 min, add shrimp and cook for 3-4 min, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and shrimp just turn pink.** Continue with the rest of the recipe as written.