Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is the perfect dish for cozy nights at home. This comforting, meat-free meal is packed with protein-rich lentils and topped with crispy potatoes, making it a delightful option for families or gatherings. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner, this vegan hotpot will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this dish is not only satisfying but also healthy.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in just over an hour.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty hotpot, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch.
- Comfort Food: The combination of tender lentils and crispy potatoes creates a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this scrumptious vegan hotpot, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or Pan
- Baking Dish (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or Pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the flavorful base for your hotpot.
- Baking Dish: Useful if you prefer baking your hotpot in a dish rather than a skillet, allowing for even cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy chopping of vegetables, which saves time during preparation.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface to chop your ingredients and keeps your workspace organized.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils:
- 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
How to Make Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees C | 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Dice your onion and carrot. Add them to your skillet or pan with the olive oil. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour
Minced garlic goes in next. Cook for another 1–2 minutes before adding the corn flour.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now add your herbs and spices, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock. Mix everything well. Bring it to a boil then reduce to simmer for about 15 minutes. Add more stock as needed until lentils are cooked and sauce has reduced.
Step 5: Prepare Potatoes
While the lentil sauce simmers, peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm thick).
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
If using a baking dish, transfer the lentil sauce into it. Level out the sauce using a spoon.
Step 7: Arrange Potatoes
Arrange your sliced potatoes in slightly overlapping rows over the lentil sauce. Ensure there are no major gaps between slices.
Step 8: Season Potatoes
Drizzle some olive oil over the potato layer along with black pepper and thyme before covering with foil.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the potato topping turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
Once done, serve immediately while it’s warm!
Enjoy this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils as part of your dinner rotation!
How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Serving this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your family’s taste. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley or cilantro – Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Thyme leaves – Add a few leaves of fresh thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the dish perfectly.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty bread – Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious lentil sauce.
- Garlic bread – A side of garlic bread enhances the meal with rich flavors and a satisfying crunch.
With a Side Salad
- Mixed green salad – A simple salad of mixed greens adds freshness and balances the richness of the hotpot.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft potatoes.
Paired with Pickles
- Pickled vegetables – A side of pickled veggies adds tanginess, brightening up the flavors of your hotpot.
- Brined green olives – Their salty, briny taste can provide a nice contrast to the savory lentils.
How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
To ensure your hotpot turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor profile of your hotpot significantly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices before serving for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with toppings – Try using different types of potatoes or even sweet potatoes for varied textures and tastes.
- Let it rest before serving – Allowing the hotpot to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover hotpot in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats well!
- Customize your lentils – Feel free to mix in other legumes like chickpeas for added protein and nutrients.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
Pairing side dishes with your hotpot can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great suggestions:
- Steamed broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dish.
- Mashed peas – Creamy mashed peas provide a comforting side that pairs well with lentils.
- Quinoa salad – A refreshing quinoa salad offers protein and fiber, balancing out the meal nicely.
- Cucumber salad – A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing adds brightness and crunch.
- Sweet potato wedges – Baked sweet potato wedges make for a naturally sweet side that contrasts well with savory lentils.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors while preparing the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not soaking lentils: Failing to soak lentils can lead to uneven cooking. To avoid this, rinse your lentils thoroughly before using them.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season your dish adequately can result in bland flavors. Be generous with herbs and spices for a rich taste.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can cause them to lose their nutrients and flavor. Sauté until just tender for the best results.
- Ignoring potato thickness: Cutting potatoes too thick will prevent them from cooking evenly. Aim for thin slices (around 0.5 cm) for a crispy topping.
- Not covering while baking: Leaving the dish uncovered can dry out the top layer of potatoes. Cover it with foil initially to retain moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the hotpot to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label and date the containers for easy identification.
Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
This dish is a comforting, meat-free version of traditional hotpot made primarily with lentils, vegetables, and topped with crispy potatoes.
Can I customize the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms or swap lentils for chickpeas for different textures and flavors.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply replace tamari sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How long does it take to prepare the Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
The total preparation time is around 10 minutes, followed by cooking time of about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a cozy weeknight meal, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the hearty goodness it brings!
Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is your go-to dish for cozy evenings, offering a hearty blend of protein-packed lentils and crispy potatoes. This comforting one-pot meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious, making it perfect for families or gatherings. With minimal preparation time and customizable ingredients, this vegan hotpot impresses everyone at the table, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a nourishing weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 medium-large carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250 g dried red lentils
- 1 tbsp corn flour
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 vegetable stock cube + 400 ml water
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tbsp tamari sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Assorted herbs (mixed herbs, rosemary, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 large baking potatoes, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrots for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and corn flour; cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in herbs, tomato puree, tamari sauce, lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half the vegetable stock. Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes.
- While simmering, peel and slice potatoes thinly.
- Transfer lentil mixture to a baking dish (if using). Layer sliced potatoes on top in overlapping rows.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
