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 simply looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this lentil hotpot will impress everyone. Packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it offers a delicious meat-free alternative to traditional British recipes. With crispy potatoes on top, it’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This hotpot is warming and satisfying, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
• Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, cooking this dish is easy for anyone, even beginners.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lentils and vegetables, this recipe is rich in protein and fiber without compromising on flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside your favorite salad or bread.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will savor the delicious combination of lentils and crispy potatoes.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish (if not using the skillet)
• Knife
• Chopping board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Allows you to sauté vegetables evenly, enhancing their flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Baking dish: Perfect for transferring your hotpot if you prefer an oven-safe option that can go from stove to oven seamlessly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables, speeding up the prep time.

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.

For the 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 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 the 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 olive oil.
Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Add minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes before adding corn flour.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Mix in your herbs and spices along with tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock.
Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more stock if necessary.
Remove from heat when lentils are cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

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

Step 6: Transfer Sauce

If using a baking dish, transfer your lentil sauce into it. Use your spoon to level out the sauce evenly across the dish.

Step 7: Arrange Potatoes

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 olive oil over the potatoes along with black pepper and thyme. Cover your dish (or skillet) with foil.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until potato topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately for best enjoyment!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Enjoying your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is about more than just the dish itself; it’s about how you serve it. The right accompaniments can elevate this comforting meal and make it even more enjoyable for your family and friends.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the flavorful lentil sauce.
• Garlic Bread – Add a touch of garlic butter spread for an aromatic pairing that complements the hotpot.

Accompanied by Salad

• Green Salad – A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty hotpot.
• Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and flavor, balancing out the richness of the dish.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
• Chives or Green Onions – These add a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the lentils.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Personalized Portions – Serve the hotpot in individual bowls for a charming touch at dinner parties or family gatherings.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils even better is simple with a few expert tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance flavors and textures.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables will enhance the taste and nutritional value of your hotpot.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste your sauce before baking; feel free to adjust herbs and spices for personal preference.
• Layer Potatoes Wisely – Ensure potatoes are evenly layered without gaps for consistent cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with Toppings – Try adding vegan cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can bring variety to your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients and a pop of color.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring natural sweetness and depth to your meal.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad offers protein and complements the flavors of the hotpot beautifully.
4. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes can be served alongside for an extra comforting experience.
5. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft hotpot.
6. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles add brightness and acidity, enhancing every bite of the hotpot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the soaking: Not soaking lentils can lead to longer cooking times and inconsistent textures. Rinse and soak them for better results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your hotpot bland. Taste the sauce and adjust spices as needed for rich flavors.
• Overcrowding the pan: Packing too many ingredients in one pan can lead to uneven cooking. Use a larger skillet if necessary.
• Not layering properly: Failing to arrange potatoes evenly may result in uneven cooking. Ensure they overlap slightly for even crispiness.
• Neglecting the foil cover: Baking without foil can dry out your dish. Cover it initially to keep moisture, then uncover for browning.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Freeze in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat covered for about 25 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I substitute lentils in this vegan hotpot?

Yes! You can use canned lentils or other legumes like chickpeas if you prefer a different texture.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils gluten-free, simply replace tamari with a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

What sides pair well with this vegan hotpot?

Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that complements the hearty hotpot.

Is this vegan hotpot suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. It’s an ideal comfort food that everyone will love, so give it a try!