Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this vegan hotpot features a hearty lentil filling topped with crispy potatoes. It’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a meat-free meal without sacrificing taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Prepare Potatoes
• Step 6: Assemble Hotpot
• Step 7: Arrange Potatoes
• Step 8: Season Potatoes
• Step 9: Bake Hotpot
• Step 10: Serve
• How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• With Fresh Bread
• Accompanied by Salad
• Topped with Vegan Cheese
• How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of lentils?
• How do I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
• Is this dish gluten-free?
• Can I make this Easy Vegan Hotpot ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of lentils, tomatoes, and herbs creates a savory filling that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also customize the ingredients based on your preferences.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils and vegetables, this hotpot promotes healthy eating without compromising on taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The hotpot keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious vegan hotpot, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or pan
• Baking dish (if transferring)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon or spatula
• Foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pan: This is crucial for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the lentil filling evenly.
• Baking dish: If you prefer serving directly from the oven, a baking dish helps create that perfect crispy potato topping.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
• Spoon or spatula: Useful for mixing ingredients and ensuring even distribution in the baking 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 the oven to 180 degrees C | 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. Dice your onion and carrot, then add them to your skillet or pan with the olive oil.
2. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

1. Mince the garlic and add it to the pan.
2. Cook for another 1–2 minutes before adding the corn flour.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add your herbs (mixed herbs, rosemary, oregano) along with the tomato puree, tamari, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock to your pan.
2. Mix everything well, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. Add more stock if needed until lentils are cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

While the lentil sauce simmers:
1. Peel and slice your baking potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm thick).

Step 6: Assemble Hotpot

If using a baking dish:
1. Transfer the lentil sauce into it.
2. Level out the sauce using your spoon.

Step 7: Arrange Potatoes

Arrange your sliced potatoes over the lentil sauce in an overlapping pattern to cover completely without major gaps.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, sprinkle black pepper, thyme, then cover your dish (or skillet) with foil.

Step 9: Bake Hotpot

Bake in preheated oven for about:
1. 30 minutes covered,
2. Remove foil; bake for an additional 20 minutes until potato topping is golden brown.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately while hot! Enjoy this comforting Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils as part of any meal occasion.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can enhance the overall dining experience. This comforting dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm crusty baguette for dipping into the hotpot’s delicious sauce.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread can add extra flavor and a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy lentils.

Accompanied by Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing balance to the hearty hotpot.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw can add crunch and a slight tanginess, perfect for cutting through the richness of the dish.

Topped with Vegan Cheese

• Vegan Cheddar: Sprinkle some grated vegan cheddar on top before serving for a melty, cheesy finish.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a nutty flavor, sprinkle nutritional yeast over individual servings as a healthy cheese alternative.

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How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

To ensure your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind. They will help you achieve optimal flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the taste and texture of your hotpot, making it even more delightful.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your lentil mixture before baking; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for best results.
• Layer Potatoes Evenly: Ensure your potato slices are evenly layered to achieve uniform cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor that personalizes your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils not only enhances the meal but also adds variety. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color, complementing the flavors of the hotpot.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, Brussels sprouts make a hearty side.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide an indulgent contrast to the crispy potato topping on the hotpot.
4. Quinoa Salad: A flavorful quinoa salad adds protein and texture while keeping everything light and fresh.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast and can be baked alongside the hotpot for convenience.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables can brighten up your plate, providing acidity that balances well with the rich lentils.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to a successful dish.

• Skipping the Soaking: Not soaking lentils can lead to longer cooking times and less flavor absorption. Rinse your lentils well before using them for the best results.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many vegetables at once can cause uneven cooking. Sauté in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly and retains flavor.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in a bland hotpot. Taste as you go and adjust herbs, spices, and salt accordingly for a more flavorful experience.
• Ignoring Potato Thickness: Cutting potatoes too thick can prevent them from cooking through. Aim for thin slices (around 0.5 cm) for even baking and crispy texture.
• Not Covering While Baking: Failing to cover your dish with foil initially can dry out the hotpot. Cover it first to retain moisture, then uncover for crispiness at the end.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F), cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 5-7 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low 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! While red lentils work well for this recipe due to their quick cooking time, green or brown lentils can also be used but may require longer cooking.

How do I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

You can add different vegetables like peas or mushrooms, or try various herbs and spices based on your taste preferences.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! By using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, you make this hotpot suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this Easy Vegan Hotpot ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it truly your own!