Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful twist on a classic British dish. Perfect for cozy weeknights, this hotpot features rich lentils and crispy potatoes. It’s not only flavorful but also a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy family meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Prep: With just 10 minutes of preparation, you can have this delicious hotpot ready to bake.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with lentils, vegetables, and herbs, it’s a nutrient-rich meal that satisfies without guilt.
• Family-Friendly: The crispy potato topping makes it appealing for kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
• Versatile Dish: This hotpot can easily be adapted with different veggies or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for an effortless dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, having the right tools in your kitchen is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pan: Essential for sautéing the onions and carrots to build flavor in your hotpot.
• Baking dish: Helps create an even bake for the potato topping, ensuring it gets crispy all around.
• Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Oils

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

Lentils and 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 and 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.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Dice your onion and carrot. Add them to your skillet or pan with the olive oil. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Incorporate minced garlic into the skillet, cooking for another 1 – 2 minutes. Then sprinkle in the corn flour.

Step 4: Mix in Lentils and Tomatoes

Add herbs, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock to the pan. Stir well, bringing everything to a boil. Lower heat to simmer for another 15 minutes until lentils are cooked.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

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

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

If using a baking dish, transfer your lentil mixture into it. Level out the surface with a spoon.

Step 7: Arrange Potato Topping

Carefully layer your sliced potatoes over the lentil mixture in an overlapping pattern, avoiding major gaps.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes along with black pepper and thyme. Cover with foil.

Step 9: Bake

Place in the oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil after this time and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Serve

Once done baking, serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your hearty Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful for your family and friends. Here are some fantastic suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Fresh Green Salad

• A light, crisp green salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the hotpot.

Add Crusty Bread

• Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. This is perfect for soaking up the delicious lentil sauce.

Offer Dairy-Free Sour Cream

• A dollop of dairy-free sour cream can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Serve with Pickles or Chutney

• Pickles or a sweet chutney can provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the hotpot, adding an extra layer of taste.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top can add vibrant color and freshness to each serving.

Offer a Glass of Red Wine

• A glass of full-bodied red wine pairs wonderfully with this hearty meal, enhancing its flavors during dinner.

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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, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Lentils: Opt for fresh lentils as they cook evenly and provide better texture in your dish.

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Thinly sliced potatoes ensure even cooking and crispiness on top, giving you that desired texture.

• Season Generously: Adjust seasonings to your taste. Don’t be afraid to add more herbs or spices if you like it bolder!

• Cover While Baking: Covering the hotpot initially helps steam the potatoes while baking, ensuring they cook through before becoming crispy.

• Check Consistency: If the lentil filling is too thick, add a bit more vegetable stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer before assembling.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the hotpot to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Complementing your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils with delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil and garlic, then roast until tender and slightly crispy to add flavor and nutrition.

2. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans topped with lemon juice offer brightness against the rich hotpot.

3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds protein and freshness.

4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in vegan mayo provides a nice crunch alongside your meal.

5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika bring sweetness and crunch that pair well with lentils.

6. Herb Couscous: Fluffy couscous cooked in vegetable broth and tossed with fresh herbs makes a light side that complements any main dish nicely.

7. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa mixed with veggies create an appealing presentation alongside your hotpot.

8. Cauliflower Mash: Creamy cauliflower mash offers a low-carb alternative that adds comfort without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can be straightforward, but some common mistakes may hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring the vegetable prep: Not properly dicing your onions and carrots can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure they are chopped finely to allow for even sautéing.
• Rushing the simmering process: Skipping the simmer time can result in undercooked lentils. Give them enough time to soften and absorb flavors for the best taste.
• Overcrowding the potatoes: Placing the potato slices too close together will prevent them from getting crispy. Make sure they overlap slightly but leave some space for air circulation.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can make your hotpot bland. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Using the wrong type of lentils: Substituting with a different lentil variety can change cooking times and texture. Stick to dried red lentils for this recipe.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the hotpot to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with names and dates for easy identification.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes until hot throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common queries regarding the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, offering helpful insights.

Can I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

Yes! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

What kind of lentils should I use?

Stick with dried red lentils as they cook quickly and break down nicely, creating a hearty filling.

How do I make this Easy Vegan Hotpot gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure any stock cubes are gluten-free as well.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily modify it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious plant-based meals. Try it out today!