Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week. Packed with hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and topped with crispy potatoes, this dish is not only filling but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious option to share with friends, this vegan hotpot is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of lentils and potatoes makes this hotpot truly satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients: With everyday ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare without any fuss.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and perfect for feeding the whole family in one go.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking; just reheat leftovers for quick meals during the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or pan
• Baking dish (optional)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon for stirring

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and combining flavors before baking.
• Baking dish: Helps in layering ingredients evenly for optimal cooking results.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavors.

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Ingredients

For the Hotpot 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

For the Seasoning

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

For the Potato 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 ensures that your hotpot cooks evenly once assembled.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Dice your onion and carrots. In a skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour

Mince the garlic and add it to your pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the corn flour, stirring well to combine.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add your herbs, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock to the pan. Mix thoroughly. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, adding more stock as needed until lentils are tender.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

While your lentil mix simmers, peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (about 0.5cm).

Step 6: Assemble Hotpot

If using a baking dish, transfer your lentil mixture into it. Level out the mixture with a spoon. Arrange potato slices in an overlapping pattern over the top layer of lentil filling.

Step 7: Season Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes followed by black pepper and thyme. Cover your dish with foil to retain moisture while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Serve

Your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is now ready! Serve immediately while warm for a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at home.

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. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Garnish your hotpot with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme on top for an aromatic touch.

Accompanying Salads

• Green Salad: A simple mix of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hotpot.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette adds texture and brightness.

Delicious Breads

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve warm bread rolls on the side for dipping into the lentil sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread can complement the flavors and make for a satisfying addition.

Creamy Dips

• Vegan Sour Cream: A dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt adds creaminess that balances the dish’s flavors.
• Avocado Dip: A smooth avocado dip provides a rich and buttery contrast that pairs well with the hotpot.

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

To ensure your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your lentil filling before baking. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
• Layer Potatoes Evenly: Ensure potato slices are arranged in a single layer without gaps for even cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding grated vegan cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking for added texture.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the hotpot to sit for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they should keep well for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

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

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients and brings a pop of green color to your plate.
2. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide natural sweetness that complements the savory hotpot.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a protein boost alongside your main dish.
4. Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that pairs wonderfully with lentils.
5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
6. Savory Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes for a satisfying base alongside the hotpot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the onions and carrots adds depth to the flavor. Don’t rush this process; allow them to soften nicely.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your lentil sauce before baking. If it’s bland, add more herbs or spices to enhance flavor.
• Overcrowding the potatoes: Ensure your potato slices are laid out in a single layer. Overlapping too much can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
• Ignoring cooking times: Baking times are crucial for achieving crispy potatoes. Keep an eye on your dish during the last 20 minutes for perfect results.
• Using stale lentils: Check your lentils for freshness before use. Old lentils may take longer to cook and could affect the dish’s texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The hotpot can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Allow the hotpot to cool completely before freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 180 degrees C | 350 degrees F. Cover with foil and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I substitute for lentils in this recipe?

You can use chickpeas or black beans as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since they have different textures.

Can I make this hotpot gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and variety!

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

The total time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, including both preparation and cooking times.

Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Experimenting with spices like cumin or smoked paprika can add unique flavors to your hotpot.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize it by adding different veggies or spices, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!