Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is the perfect dish for cozy gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Packed with hearty lentils and topped with golden, crispy potatoes, this vegan hotpot offers a delightful twist on a classic British favorite. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Enjoy a satisfying blend of spices and lentils that create a deliciously rich filling.
• Versatile Meal: This hotpot can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it suitable for any palate.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from lentils, this dish is wholesome and nourishing while remaining entirely plant-based.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the crispy potato topping, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this meal.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will save you time and hassle.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or pan
• Baking dish (if not using skillet)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon for mixing
• Foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the flavorful base for your hotpot.
• Baking dish: Necessary if you prefer to bake your hotpot separately from the skillet for even cooking.
• Knife: A good-quality knife makes chopping onions and carrots quick and easy.
• Spoon for mixing: A sturdy spoon helps combine all ingredients well for an even flavor throughout the dish.

Ingredients

This vegan lentil hotpot makes the most delicious and wholesome meat-free version of a classic British meal. The rich, hearty lentil filling is topped with crispy potatoes, making this cozy weeknight a staple your whole family will love.

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion
• 2 medium-large carrots
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 250 g dried red lentils
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 vegetable stock cube + 400 ml water
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tbsp tamari sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp oregano
• salt and pepper
• 2-3 large baking potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly into discs

How to Make Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees C | 350 degrees F. This ensures it’s ready when you need to bake your hotpot.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice your onion and carrots.
Add them to your skillet or pan with the olive oil.
Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they have softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Add minced garlic to the pan.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Stir in corn flour until well combined.

Step 4: Mix in Lentils and Tomatoes

Now add herbs, spices, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the stock.
Mix everything well.
Bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer for another 15 minutes.
Add more stock as needed until lentils are cooked.

Step 5: Slice Potatoes

While your lentil sauce simmers:
Peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (about >0.5 cm).

Step 6: Transfer Sauce to Dish

If using a baking dish:
Transfer the lentil sauce into it.
Use a spoon to level out the sauce evenly.

Step 7: Layer Potatoes

Arrange sliced potatoes over the lentil sauce in an overlapping pattern.
Ensure there are no major gaps between slices.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle potatoes with olive oil, black pepper, and thyme.
Cover your dish (or skillet) with foil.

Step 9: Bake Your Hotpot

Bake covered for 30 minutes.
Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Once baked, serve your delicious Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils immediately to enjoy its warm flavors!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful experience. This dish not only looks inviting but also pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the rich lentil sauce.
• Garlic Bread – Add a touch of flavor with garlic bread, which complements the savory notes of the hotpot.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens – A light mixed greens salad adds freshness and balances the hearty meal.
• Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft lentils and potatoes.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Vegan Sour Cream – A dollop of vegan sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy kick to each bite.

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Perfecting your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure your hotpot turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your hotpot, making it more enjoyable.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you cook; adding more herbs or spices can help you achieve the perfect flavor balance.
• Layer Potatoes Evenly – For an even bake, arrange potato slices uniformly, ensuring they cook thoroughly and crisp up nicely.
• Experiment with Lentil Varieties – While red lentils are great, try using green or brown lentils for a different texture and taste.
• Cover During Baking – Always cover your dish initially to retain moisture, then uncover for the last stage to achieve that crispy topping.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options that will complement the main course beautifully:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a caramelized flavor that enhances the richness of the hotpot.
3. Quinoa Salad – A chilled quinoa salad packed with vegetables offers a refreshing contrast to the hotpot’s warmth.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry – A quick vegetable stir-fry brings additional textures and flavors while keeping it healthy.
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Creamy mashed sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that pairs well with savory lentils.
6. Crispy Kale Chips – These light snacks add crunch and are perfect for munching alongside each serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s easy to stumble into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the soaking process – Not soaking lentils can lead to a longer cooking time and a less tender texture. Always rinse and soak your lentils beforehand for the best results.
• Overcooking vegetables – Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until softened for better flavor and texture in your hotpot.
• Ignoring seasoning – Failing to season your dish properly can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
• Not layering potatoes effectively – Arranging potatoes without overlapping may leave gaps that could dry out. Layer them slightly overlapping for an even bake and crispy finish.
• Using the wrong type of potatoes – Some potatoes don’t hold their shape well during cooking. Opt for starchy or waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven – Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat covered for about 30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot all the way through.
• Stovetop – Warm on low heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils that might help you along your cooking journey.

How can I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

You can add different vegetables like green beans or peas, or try adding spices such as cumin or paprika for an extra kick.

What are the best side dishes to serve with this vegan hotpot?

Consider pairing it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to complement the rich flavors of the hotpot.

Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?

While red lentils work best due to their quick cooking time, you can use green or brown lentils; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only delicious but also offers fantastic versatility. You can easily customize it by swapping out veggies or spices based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a cozy meal that warms your heart!