Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful twist on a British classic that combines wholesome lentils and crispy potatoes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home. This hearty dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a nutritious and satisfying option for those looking for meat-free meals.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables
• Main Ingredients
• Herbs and Seasonings
• Topping
• How to Make Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour
• Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
• Step 5: Prepare Potatoes
• Step 6: Transfer Sauce to Baking Dish
• Step 7: Layer Potatoes
• Step 8: Season Potatoes
• Step 9: Bake Until Crispy
• Step 10: Serve Immediately
• How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• With Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Bread
• With Salads
• Topped with Avocado
• 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 customize the vegetables in my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
• How do I make my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils gluten-free?
• Can I use other types of lentils?
• What is the best way to serve my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of lentils and potatoes ensures that everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out vegetables or herbs based on what you have at home while still keeping it delicious.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish; it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make your time in the kitchen enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the lentils evenly.
• Baking dish: Perfect for layering your hotpot, allowing for even baking and crisping of the potatoes.

Ingredients

Vegetables

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

Main Ingredients

• 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 Seasonings

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

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 your oven to 180 degrees C | 350 degrees F. This will ensure that your hotpot bakes evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In your skillet, add the diced onion and carrot along with the olive oil.
Sauté these for 4-5 minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Once softened, add minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before incorporating corn flour.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

To your pan, add:
– Herbs and spices
– Tomato puree
– Tamari sauce
– Red lentils
– Chopped tomatoes
– Half the vegetable stock

Mix everything together. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes. Add more stock as needed until lentils are cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

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

Step 6: Transfer Sauce to Baking Dish

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

Step 7: Layer Potatoes

Arrange your sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern over the lentil sauce. Make sure there are no significant gaps between slices.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potato topping, season with black pepper and thyme, then cover your dish with foil.

Step 9: Bake Until Crispy

Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil after this time and bake for another 20 minutes until the potato topping becomes golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Once done, serve your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils hot from the oven! Enjoy this comforting meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs: Use thyme sprigs as a garnish for an aromatic touch.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve warm crusty bread on the side for dipping into the hotpot.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds extra flavor and crunch, making it a great pairing.

With Salads

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette can balance the hearty flavors of the hotpot.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the dish.

Topped with Avocado

• Sliced Avocado: Adding slices of creamy avocado on top gives an extra layer of richness to each bite.

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How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

To make your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs enhances the overall flavor and nutrition of your hotpot.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices based on your personal preference before baking.
• Experiment with Lentils: Feel free to mix different types of lentils for varied textures and flavors, like green or brown lentils.
• Cover Properly While Baking: Ensure the dish is well-covered during baking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as peas or bell peppers for additional nutrients and flavors.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the hotpot to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that complements the soft texture of the hotpot.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs well with lentils.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumber and tomatoes offers a light contrast to the hearty hotpot.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide an indulgent side that echoes the potato topping of the hotpot.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory elements of your meal.
6. Cucumber Raita: A cool cucumber raita made from dairy-free yogurt can offer a refreshing dip alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of this hearty dish.

• Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the onion and carrots enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow them to soften thoroughly.
• Not using enough liquid: Lentils absorb a lot of water during cooking. Make sure to add enough vegetable stock to avoid dryness in your hotpot.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Proper seasoning is key for flavor. Taste your lentil sauce before baking and adjust salt and spices as needed.
• Overcrowding the potato layer: Arrange your potato slices without gaps for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked potatoes.
• Removing foil too early: Keeping the foil on initially helps steam the potatoes. Remove it only after 30 minutes for a crispy finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the hotpot to cool before sealing it for freshness.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Cover with foil and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 4-6 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed, and heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Feel free to explore these common questions about making an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils.

Can I customize the vegetables in my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers according to your preference.

How do I make my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use other types of lentils?

While red lentils are best for this recipe due to their quick cooking time, you can use green or brown lentils; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What is the best way to serve my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

This dish is perfect on its own but pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not just comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe by adding seasonal vegetables or different spices based on your taste. Give this delightful dish a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!