Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is the perfect comfort food for those cozy nights. Packed with nutritious lentils and topped with crispy potatoes, this dish offers a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, making it a must-try recipe for any vegan or plant-based enthusiast. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures that make this hotpot a delightful staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, allowing anyone to whip up a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with lentils and vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice that provides essential nutrients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The comforting flavors appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or paired with a side salad, it fits various dining occasions.
• Economical Meal: Made with affordable ingredients, this hotpot is budget-friendly while still being fulfilling.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delicious hotpot, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or Pan
• Baking Dish
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or Pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the lentil mixture evenly.
• Baking Dish: Allows you to bake the hotpot while ensuring even cooking of the potato topping.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for preparing all your ingredients efficiently.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make this delightful Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) so it’s ready when you need it.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

1. Dice your onion and carrots into small pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in your skillet or pan over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion and carrot; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Add minced garlic to the pan:
1. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in corn flour to help thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Incorporate spices and lentils:
1. Add mixed herbs, rosemary, oregano, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of your vegetable stock.
2. Mix well and bring to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. Add more stock if needed until lentils are tender.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

While waiting for the lentil mixture:
1. Peel and slice baking potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm).

Step 6: Assemble Your Hotpot

If using a baking dish:
1. Transfer your cooked lentil mixture into it and level out evenly.
2. Layer sliced potatoes on top in slightly overlapping rows without large gaps.

Step 7: Season Your Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potato layer:
1. Sprinkle black pepper and thyme on top before covering with foil.

Step 8: Bake Your Hotpot

1. Place in preheated oven for 30 minutes covered.
2. Remove foil after 30 minutes; bake an additional 20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Serve Your Dish

Once baked perfectly:
Serve immediately while hot for best flavor!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Serving your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can elevate the meal experience and make it even more enjoyable for everyone at the table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to complement this hearty dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor and color to the hotpot, enhancing its visual appeal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Whole Grain Bread: Serve slices of warm whole grain bread on the side for dipping into the rich lentil sauce. It’s perfect for soaking up every delicious bite.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the hotpot, adding freshness to your meal.

Serve with Pickled Vegetables

• Tangy Pickles: A small bowl of pickled vegetables provides a crunchy, tangy contrast that complements the flavors of the hotpot beautifully.

Offer Vegan Sour Cream

• Creamy Topping: A dollop of vegan sour cream on top adds creaminess and enhances the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Perfecting your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some ways to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality lentils make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook! Adjust herbs and spices according to your preferences for a more personalized flavor.
• Layer Potatoes Evenly: Arrange potato slices in an even layer over the lentil mixture to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; remove from the oven when potatoes are golden brown but not burnt.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different toppings like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese before baking for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Complementing your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can be simple yet satisfying. Here are some tasty side dishes that pair well:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment that brings extra flavor to each bite.
2. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers enhances nutrition and adds vibrant colors.
3. Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and a bit of tang, balancing out the richness of the hotpot.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy green option that complements the hearty dish perfectly.
5. Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with chopped vegetables makes for a refreshing side.
6. Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy sweet potato wedges provide sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory hotpot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can be a simple delight, but certain common mistakes can hinder the dish’s success.

• Using the wrong lentils: Not all lentils cook the same way. For this hotpot, use red lentils as they cook quickly and create a creamy texture.
• Overcooking vegetables: Sautéing vegetables for too long can lead to mushiness. Cook them just until softened to maintain their texture.
• Not seasoning adequately: A lack of salt and spices can make your hotpot bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings for flavor depth.
• Neglecting the potato layer: Ensure that your potato slices are thin and evenly arranged. This ensures they cook properly and become crispy on top.
• Skipping the foil cover: Covering your dish with foil during the first part of baking helps steam the potatoes, making them tender before browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I substitute if I don’t have lentils?

You can use other legumes like chickpeas or black beans; however, you’ll need to adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables or spices you prefer, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

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

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only delicious but also adaptable for various tastes. You can customize it by adding extra veggies or changing the herbs. Try this cozy meal that everyone will love!