Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavor from hearty lentils and topped with crispy potatoes, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies both vegans and non-vegans alike. This recipe not only offers a delicious twist on a classic British hotpot but is also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables and Base
• Lentils and Sauce
• Potato Topping
• How to Make Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn Flour
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Prepare Potatoes
• Step 6: Assemble Hotpot
• Step 7: Layer Potatoes
• Step 8: Season Potatoes
• Step 9: Bake
• Step 10: Serve Immediately
• How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Individual Bowls
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Avocado
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Salad
• With Vegan Sour Cream
• How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different types of lentils?
• How spicy is this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?
• Can I customize the vegetables used?
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
• How do I make it richer?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this comforting hotpot ready in no time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich lentils and fresh vegetables, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize the herbs and spices to suit your palate—experiment with different flavors to make it your own!
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to everyone at the table, making it a great option for picky eaters.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your easy vegan hotpot a breeze. Here’s what you need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or pan
• Baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and combining all ingredients evenly.
• Baking dish: Ideal for baking the hotpot to achieve that perfect crispy potato topping.
• Knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables quickly and safely, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion
• 2 medium-large carrots
• 2 cloves of garlic

Lentils and Sauce

• 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

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.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Dice your onion and carrots. Add them to your skillet or pan with the olive oil.
Cook 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.
Stir in corn flour until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add herbs, tomato puree, tamari, red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and half of the vegetable stock.
Mix everything together.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes, adding more stock as needed.

Step 5: Prepare Potatoes

While the lentil sauce simmers, peel and slice your potatoes very thinly (less than 0.5 cm).

Step 6: Assemble Hotpot

If using a baking dish, transfer the lentil sauce into it. Level it out using a spoon.

Step 7: Layer Potatoes

Arrange sliced potatoes over the lentil sauce in an overlapping pattern without major gaps.

Step 8: Season Potatoes

Drizzle potatoes with a little olive oil, black pepper, and thyme. Cover your dish (or skillet) tightly with foil.

Step 9: Bake

Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Once cooked through, serve your easy vegan hotpot warm. Enjoy this hearty meal with family or friends!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

This Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit your family’s taste and dietary needs. Below are some creative serving suggestions.

Individual Bowls

• Serve individual portions of the hotpot in bowls for a cozy meal. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their own helping, and you can customize toppings like fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the hotpot with crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the rich lentil filling and crispy potatoes, making every bite delightful.

Topped with Avocado

• Add slices of avocado on top of each serving. The creaminess of the avocado balances the flavors in the dish and adds healthy fats.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that enhances the overall presentation.

Accompanied by Salad

• Serve with a side salad to add some crunch. A simple mixed green salad or a tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm hotpot.

With Vegan Sour Cream

• Offer a dollop of vegan sour cream on top. This creamy addition can enhance flavor and give a nice texture contrast to the dish.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

To ensure your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will bring out the best flavors in your hotpot.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
• Layer Potatoes Carefully: Overlapping potato slices ensures even cooking and creates a beautiful crispy top.
• Cook Lentils Thoroughly: Make sure the lentils are fully cooked before layering them under the potatoes for best texture.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor variations.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the hotpot to sit for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

Complement your Easy Vegan Hotpot with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from your hotpot.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and bright color to your plate.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the hotpot.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional textures and flavors that pair well with lentils.
5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad can add protein and fiber, making your meal heartier.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Adding pickles or pickled onions offers a zesty contrast that cuts through the richness of the dish.
7. Couscous: Fluffy couscous makes an excellent base beneath your hotpot for an extra filling meal.
8. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide elegance and flavor diversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season your lentil mixture properly can result in a bland dish. Always taste and adjust salt and spices throughout the cooking process.
• Not slicing potatoes thinly – Thick potato slices may not cook evenly. Aim for slices that are less than 0.5cm thick for a crispy topping.
• Overcrowding the pan – Adding too many vegetables at once can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
• Ignoring simmer time – Rushing the simmering process can leave lentils undercooked. Allow them to soften and absorb flavors for the full 15 minutes.
• Not covering the hotpot while baking – Covering your dish helps steam the potatoes initially. Removing the foil later allows them to crisp up perfectly.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• It can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils

• Oven – Preheat to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes, you can substitute other lentils, but cooking times may vary. Red lentils cook faster than green or brown lentils.

How spicy is this Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils?

This recipe is mild but you can add chili powder or fresh peppers if you prefer a spicier dish.

Can I customize the vegetables used?

Absolutely! Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like peas or bell peppers to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, this hotpot is completely gluten-free.

How do I make it richer?

For a creamier texture, you can add coconut milk or a splash of plant-based cream toward the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Vegan Hotpot with Lentils is not just a comforting meal; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Give this cozy dish a try, and enjoy its warmth and deliciousness!