Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful twist on a traditional British dish, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Packed with nutritious lentils and topped with crispy potatoes, this meal is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. It’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a meat-free option. The blend of flavors and textures ensures that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This hotpot comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with lentils and vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a great way to introduce more plant-based meals to your family’s diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the veggies or add your favorite herbs to suit your taste.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this hotpot provides a wholesome meal that’s good for you.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready will ensure a hassle-free experience while making your vegan hotpot.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or Pan
- Baking Dish (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or Pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the lentil filling to perfection.
- Baking Dish: If you’re baking in the oven, this helps create that golden potato topping while retaining moisture in the hotpot.
Ingredients
For the Hotpot Base
- 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 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 it’s ready when you’re done preparing your dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice your onion and carrots. Add them to your skillet with the olive oil. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Then add the corn flour, stirring well.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add herbs, spices, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock into the pan. Stir well to combine everything. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Add more stock if necessary until lentils are tender.
Step 5: Slice Potatoes
While the lentil filling simmers, peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm).
Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish
If using a baking dish, transfer lentil filling into it. Level out the mixture evenly using a spoon.
Step 7: Arrange Potatoes
Place sliced potatoes over the lentil filling in an overlapping pattern. Make sure there are no large gaps between slices.
Step 8: Season Potatoes
Drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes along with black pepper and thyme. Cover your dish or skillet tightly with foil.
Step 9: Bake
Bake covered for about 30 minutes. After that time has passed, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 10: Serve
Your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is ready! Serve immediately while hot, enjoying each hearty bite of this delicious meal.
Enjoy this comforting vegan hotpot that combines simplicity with rich flavors—perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Serving your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your family’s preferences. This hearty dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, elevating the meal into something truly special.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme leaves: A few thyme leaves can enhance the earthy flavor of the hotpot.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Baguette slices: Serve warm slices of baguette for dipping and enjoying alongside the hotpot.
- Whole grain bread: This adds a nutty flavor that complements the lentils beautifully.
Include a Green Salad
- Mixed greens: A simple salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast to the rich hotpot.
- Cucumber and tomato salad: This adds a crunchy texture and lightness to your meal.
Top with Plant-Based Yogurt
- Coconut yogurt: A dollop of coconut yogurt gives creaminess without dairy, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Cashew cream: For an extra indulgent touch, you can use cashew cream as a topping.
How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Perfecting your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils ensures it turns out just right every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your hotpot more vibrant.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for perfect seasoning.
- Layer potatoes evenly: Ensure potato slices are layered without gaps for even cooking and crispiness.
- Cover while baking: Covering initially helps steam the potatoes before they get crispy, ensuring they cook through perfectly.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Complementing your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is easy with these delicious side dishes. Each offers unique flavors that enhance your main meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the hotpot.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and beautiful green color to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer a caramelized flavor that pairs well with the savory lentil filling.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide additional comfort food vibes alongside the hotpot.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings in freshness and a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the hotpot.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can serve as a nutritious side that complements the lentil dish nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s easy to fall into some common traps. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.
- Ignoring vegetable prep: Make sure to dice your vegetables uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well in the hotpot.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season throughout the cooking process. Adding salt and herbs at each stage enhances the flavor significantly.
- Overcooking lentils: Keep an eye on your lentils while simmering. Overcooked lentils can turn mushy and affect the dish’s texture.
- Not layering potatoes properly: Ensure your potato slices overlap slightly when layering. This helps achieve that crispy top layer everyone loves.
- Using incorrect baking dish: Choose a suitable baking dish that allows for even heat distribution. A shallow dish is preferable for crispy potatoes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your hotpot in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils that might help you.
Can I customize my Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach based on your preference.
What can I serve with this vegan hotpot?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply swap tamari sauce for a certified gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Can I use other types of lentils?
While red lentils work best, you can try green or brown lentils, but cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store individual portions in containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not just a comforting meal; it’s also adaptable and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the cozy warmth it brings!
Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful plant-based dish that transforms a classic British recipe into a hearty, comforting meal. This vegan hotpot is brimming with nutritious lentils and topped with golden, crispy potatoes, making it an ideal choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this dish will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, it’s a delicious way to introduce more meat-free options into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 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
- 2–3 large baking potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly into discs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and carrots for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and corn flour, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in herbs, spices, tomato puree, tamari sauce, lentils, and chopped tomatoes along with half of the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Meanwhile, thinly slice the potatoes. Once the lentil filling is ready, transfer it to a baking dish if desired.
- Layer the potato slices over the lentil filling in an overlapping pattern. Drizzle olive oil, season with pepper and thyme.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until potatoes are crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 20g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
