Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful twist on the traditional British dish, packed with flavor and comfort. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe combines hearty lentils with crispy potatoes for a satisfying meal. It’s not just easy to make, but it also delivers on taste and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free option without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This hotpot comes together in under 90 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of lentils, herbs, and spices creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the vegetables or spices according to your preferences for a personalized touch.
- Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this dish supports a healthy diet.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will enjoy the crispy potato topping while getting their veggies in!
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious vegan hotpot, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables evenly.
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet: Perfect for layering the hotpot and achieving that crispy potato top.
- Chopping board: Keeps your workspace organized while preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A good knife is essential for quick and safe chopping.
Ingredients
For the Vegan 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
For Seasoning
- 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 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.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Dice your onion and carrot. Add them to your skillet with the olive oil. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour
Add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. Then add corn flour to thicken the mixture.
Step 4: Mix in Lentils and Tomatoes
Incorporate your herbs, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock into the pan. Mix well.
Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
Bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes. Add more stock as necessary until lentils are cooked through.
Step 6: Prepare Potatoes
While the lentil sauce simmers, peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm).
Step 7: Transfer Filling to Baking Dish
If using a baking dish, transfer your lentil mixture into it. Level out the sauce with a spoon.
Step 8: Arrange Potato Slices
Lay your sliced potatoes over the lentil filling in an overlapping pattern without major gaps.
Step 9: Season Potatoes
Drizzle olive oil over potatoes along with black pepper and thyme. Cover with foil.
Step 10: Bake Your Hotpot
Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil; then remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until golden brown on top.
Now you have a hearty Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils ready to serve! Enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Serving your easy vegan hotpot with lentils can enhance its flavors and make it a delightful meal for anyone. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A fresh, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich lentil sauce.
- Garlic Bread – Add a bit of flavor by serving garlic bread alongside, which complements the hotpot’s taste nicely.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens – A simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the warm, hearty hotpot.
Add a Vegan Yogurt Sauce
- Tzatziki Style – A refreshing yogurt sauce made from plant-based yogurt, cucumber, and mint can provide a cooling contrast.
- Spicy Salsa – For those who enjoy a kick, a spicy salsa can enhance the flavors of the hotpot.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkling some fresh parsley on top adds color and brightness.
- Cilantro or Coriander – These herbs give an aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
To make your easy vegan hotpot even better, consider these essential tips that will ensure a perfect dish every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables will enhance flavor and texture in your hotpot.
- Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Layer Potatoes Carefully – Ensure even coverage of potatoes to achieve a crispy topping without any gaps.
- Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add different herbs like thyme or sage for unique flavor profiles.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the hotpot to rest for a few minutes helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Store Leftovers Properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for best quality.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Accompanying your easy vegan hotpot with lentils with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideal options.
- Steamed Broccoli – This vibrant vegetable adds nutrition and color while being easy to prepare.
- Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots bring out natural sugars that pair nicely with the savory hotpot.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad tossed with vegetables provides added protein and texture.
- Mashed Cauliflower – Creamy mashed cauliflower offers comfort and is low in carbs, balancing the meal perfectly.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Roasting Brussels sprouts until crispy gives them an irresistible crunch that complements the soft textures of the hotpot.
- Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes – If you’re craving more potato, these creamy mashed potatoes will satisfy without overpowering the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils can be straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking lentils can lead to uneven cooking. Always rinse and soak them briefly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the veggies too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until softened for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can result in bland flavors. Always sample your dish and add salt or herbs as needed.
- Using old spices: Using expired herbs and spices can dull the flavor of your hotpot. Check your spice rack and refresh any that have lost their potency.
- Neglecting potato thickness: Cutting potatoes too thick can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for thin slices (about 0.5 cm) for even crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 4 days.
Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, lasting up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Oven: Preheat at 180°C (350°F). Cover with foil and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short bursts until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils.
Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes, but red lentils cook faster than others. Try using green or brown lentils for a different texture, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
What can I serve with this hotpot?
It’s delicious on its own, but you could pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How can I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas or mushrooms, or swap out herbs based on your preference!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, it’s entirely gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various dietary needs. Its rich flavors and crispy potato topping make it perfect for family dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!
Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a comforting and hearty dish that reimagines a classic British favorite. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines tender lentils and crispy potatoes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. With its abundance of nutrients and customizable ingredients, this vegan hotpot offers a satisfying meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Under 90 minutes to prepare and cook, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while still being wholesome enough to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion
- 2 medium-large carrots
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 250 g dried red lentils
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- 2–3 large baking potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté diced onion and carrot in olive oil over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and corn flour, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in lentils, chopped tomatoes, herbs, tamari sauce, and vegetable stock; bring to a boil then simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice potatoes thinly (less than 0.5 cm).
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish and arrange potato slices on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season before covering with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
