Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful twist on a classic British dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe combines hearty lentils with crispy potato topping, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm and comforting experience that can be enjoyed on chilly evenings or during family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Wholesome: The combination of lentils and vegetables provides a rich taste along with numerous health benefits.
• Hearty & Filling: This hotpot will keep you satisfied without the need for meat, making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it in advance and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or pan
• Baking dish (if not using skillet)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables, allowing for even cooking and flavor development.
• Baking dish: Perfect for baking the hotpot to achieve that crispy potato topping.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping easy and ensures uniform vegetable sizes for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Hotpot Filling

• 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

For the Crispy Potato Topping

• 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 that your hotpot cooks evenly when it’s time to bake.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Dice your onion and carrot, then add them to your skillet with the olive oil. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they have softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes before adding the corn flour. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add your herbs (bay leaves, mixed herbs, rosemary, oregano) along with the remaining ingredients—tomato puree, tamari, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the stock—to your pan. Mix everything thoroughly. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

While your lentil sauce simmers, peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm thick).

Step 6: Assemble Hotpot

Transfer the lentil sauce to a baking dish if you’re not using a skillet. Level out the sauce evenly at the bottom.

Step 7: Add Potato Slices

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

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potato slices, then sprinkle black pepper and thyme on top. Cover your dish (or skillet) with foil.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes covered with foil. Remove the foil afterward and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve

Once baked, serve immediately while hot. Enjoy this delicious Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful experience. This comforting dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and textures.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up the delicious lentil filling.
• Garlic Bread – Add a touch of flavor with garlic bread, making every bite even more enjoyable.

With a Side Salad

• Green Salad – A fresh green salad adds a light crunch and balances out the hearty hotpot.
• Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.

With Pickles or Chutneys

• Sweet Pickles – Sweet pickles add a tangy burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory hotpot.
• Mango Chutney – The sweetness of mango chutney complements the dish’s depth perfectly.

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How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

To make your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the overall taste and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
• Experiment with Potatoes – Try using different types of potatoes for varied textures; waxy potatoes hold their shape well.
• Make Ahead – Prepare the lentil filling in advance and store it in the fridge for easy assembly later on.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Complement your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils by serving it alongside these delicious side dishes. They enhance the meal while adding variety to your table.

1. Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots provide a nutritious addition.
2. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf is an excellent choice to soak up extra sauce.
3. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and richness alongside the hotpot.
4. Roasted Root Vegetables – Sweet, caramelized root vegetables bring warmth and sweetness to the plate.
5. Couscous Salad – A light couscous salad with herbs offers a refreshing side that complements lentils well.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance and smoky flavor to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• seasoning: Forgetting to season your hotpot properly can leave it bland. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Overcooking lentils: Cooking lentils too long can make them mushy. Monitor them closely to ensure they retain a bit of bite.
• Ignoring potato thickness: Cutting potatoes too thick will result in uneven cooking. Aim for slices thinner than 0.5 cm for best results.
• Skipping the foil cover: Not covering the dish with foil while baking can dry out the potatoes. Use foil for the first part of baking to lock in moisture.
• Rushing the simmering process: Skipping the simmering step may lead to undercooked lentils. Allow enough time for the flavors to meld and the lentils to soften.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Portion into smaller containers for easy reheating.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and reheat covered for about 25 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils.

Can I use other types of lentils?

Yes, you can substitute green or brown lentils, but adjust cooking time as they may take longer.

What if I don’t have tamari sauce?

You can use soy sauce as an alternative, keeping in mind that it may not be gluten-free.

How do I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This hotpot stores well and tastes even better when reheated.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner. We encourage you to try this comforting recipe and enjoy a satisfying, meat-free meal!