Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this hotpot is sure to please everyone at the table. Packed with nutritious lentils and topped with golden, crispy potatoes, it brings warmth and comfort in every bite. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that even novice cooks can master!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Flavorful and Wholesome: The combination of lentils, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: This hotpot is great for any occasion—serve it at family gatherings or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this dish is both filling and healthy.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy potato topping makes it appealing to kids while being entirely plant-based.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish (optional)
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables to create a flavorful base for your hotpot.
• Baking dish: Helps achieve an even bake for the potato topping, but you can also use an oven-safe skillet.
• Knife and chopping board: Necessary for preparing all your vegetables swiftly and safely.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils:

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

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Dice your onion and carrot.
• In your skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and carrot; sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

• Mince the garlic and add it to the pan.
• Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the corn flour until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to your pan:
Red lentils
Chopped tomatoes (including juices)
Tomato puree
Tamari sauce
Half of the vegetable stock

Mix everything well. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, add more stock until the lentils are cooked through.

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

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

Step 7: Arrange Potatoes

Lay your sliced potatoes on top of the lentil sauce in a slightly overlapping pattern. Ensure there are no major gaps.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle a little olive oil over the potato slices. Season with black pepper and thyme before covering your dish (or skillet) with foil.

Step 9: Bake Hotpot

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes covered. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and serve immediately while hot! Enjoy your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can turn a simple dish into a delightful meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley or cilantro – Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Thyme leaves – Add a few thyme leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the dish’s earthy flavors.

With Bread

• Crusty bread – Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic bread – Pair it with garlic bread for a tasty and easy-to-make side.

With Salad

• Green salad – A simple mixed green salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the hearty hotpot.
• Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the hotpot.

With Vegan Cheese

• Nutritional yeast – Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Vegan cheese shreds – Melt some vegan cheese on top just before serving for extra creaminess.

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Creating the perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your cooking process.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables will provide better flavors and textures compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust lentil cook time – Keep an eye on your lentils; different brands may require varying cooking times.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for additional depth of flavor.
• Layer potatoes properly – Arrange potato slices in an overlapping pattern to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Check seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking for the best flavor profile.
• Let it rest before serving – Allow the hotpot to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps meld the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Pairing your Easy Vegan Hotpot with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
2. Roasted Brussels sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that pairs well with the hotpot’s richness.
3. Quinoa salad – A refreshing quinoa salad can add protein and texture, making it a satisfying accompaniment.
4. Mashed sweet potatoes – Creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory lentils.
5. Cucumber salad – A chilled cucumber salad offers a refreshing crunch that complements the warm hotpot perfectly.
6. Savory scones – Serve warm savory scones as a delightful biscuit-like side that is perfect for soaking up sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes for a perfect dish.

• Skipping the soaking: Not soaking lentils can lead to longer cooking times. Always rinse and soak them beforehand for better texture.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season adequately can make your hotpot bland. Taste as you cook and adjust spices accordingly.
• Cutting potatoes too thick: Thick potato slices won’t cook evenly. Aim for thin discs for a crispy topping.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not covering while baking: Skipping the foil cover can result in burnt edges while the center remains raw. Always cover initially to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The hotpot will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Portion into freezer-safe containers for easy reheating later.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake covered until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of lentils?

You can use other lentil varieties, but cooking times may vary. Red lentils are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking properties.

Is the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

What can I add to the hotpot?

Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers or peas, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chili powder or fresh chili peppers during cooking for a spicy kick that complements the hearty flavors.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lentil filling a day ahead and assemble it before baking for a quicker meal.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and sure to satisfy everyone at your table.