Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is the perfect comfort food, combining rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s a delightful twist on a classic British dish, making it an ideal choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings. This hotpot is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. The hearty lentil filling paired with crispy potatoes offers a delicious meat-free option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of lentils and spices creates a warm, rich flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or spices based on what you have at home, making it adaptable for different tastes or dietary needs.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from lentils and fiber from vegetables, this dish supports a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
• Family-Friendly: The appealing presentation and delicious flavors ensure that even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are the key items you’ll need to prepare this easy vegan hotpot.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish (if not using a skillet)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sauteing vegetables quickly, allowing for maximum flavor development.
• Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking of the hotpot while providing a beautiful serving presentation.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables effortless and safe.

Ingredients

This delicious vegan hotpot features simple ingredients that create a hearty meal.

Vegetables

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion
• 2 medium-large carrots
• 2 cloves of garlic

Lentils & Sauces

• 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

Herbs & Seasoning

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper

Potatoes

• 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 your hotpot cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice your onion and carrot. In your skillet or pan, add the olive oil along with the diced vegetables.
– Saute for 4-5 minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Next, add the minced garlic to your pan.
– Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Stir in the corn flour to help thicken the mixture.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Skillet

Add the following ingredients to your pan:
– Your herbs (mixed herbs, rosemary, oregano), tomato puree, tamari sauce,
– Dried red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the stock.

Mix everything well and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer.
– Cook for about 15 minutes, adding more stock as needed until lentils are cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

While the lentil mix simmers:
– Peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm).

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

If you’re using a baking dish:
– Carefully transfer the lentil sauce into it,
– Level out the mixture with a spoon.

Step 7: Arrange Potatoes on Top

Arrange your sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern over the top of the lentil sauce. Ensure there are no major gaps.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle some olive oil over the potato slices along with black pepper and thyme. Cover your dish (or skillet) tightly with foil.

Step 9: Bake Your Hotpot

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
– After this time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Once baked to perfection, serve your easy vegan hotpot immediately while hot! Enjoy this comforting meal with family or friends.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can enhance the meal experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement this hearty dish.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the rich lentil sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance the flavors of your hotpot with a side of garlicky goodness.

Add a Salad

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed leaves, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the soft textures of the hotpot.

Top it Off

• Vegan Cheese: Sprinkle some vegan cheese on top before serving for an extra creamy finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.

Serve with Pickles

• Dill Pickles: The tanginess of dill pickles complements the savory flavor of the hotpot beautifully.

Save this!

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

To achieve the best results when making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition, making your hotpot even more delicious.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices during cooking to suit your preferences.
• Layering Potatoes: Ensure potatoes overlap slightly for an even cook and crispy texture.
• Cover While Baking: Covering your dish initially helps steam the potatoes for softness before crisping them up.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add different herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile of your hotpot.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
2. Roasted Veggies: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables brings out natural sweetness and complements the hotpot.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another comforting option that pairs perfectly with lentils.
4. Rice Pilaf: Flavorful rice pilaf can provide a nice contrast in texture while soaking up any leftover sauce.
5. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad provides a nutritious, protein-packed side that balances warmth from the hotpot.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn can be a fun finger food that adds variety to your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s easy to run into a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the lentils: Lentils should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them while they simmer to ensure they maintain their texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: A bland hotpot can ruin the experience. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance flavors.
• Using thick potato slices: Thinly sliced potatoes cook more evenly and become crispy. Aim for slices less than 0.5 cm to get that perfect texture.
• Skipping the foil cover: Covering the dish while baking helps steam the potatoes, making them tender. Don’t forget this step for best results!
• Not allowing it to rest: Letting your hotpot sit for a few minutes after baking allows flavors to meld together, enhancing taste.

Save this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) and bake covered until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I add more vegetables to the vegan hotpot?

Yes! Feel free to include vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

How do I make this hotpot gluten-free?

To keep it gluten-free, substitute tamari sauce with coconut aminos or simply use water instead of stock cubes that contain gluten.

What can I serve with Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How do I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

You can add different spices or herbs based on your preference or even swap lentils for chickpeas or beans for variety.

Final Thoughts

Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it suitable for everyone at the table. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal!