The First Bite That Changed Everything
The smell of garlic and herbs filled my tiny kitchen. Golden potato slices crisped under the oven’s glow. One bite of this hotpot sent warmth through my chilly bones. Ever wondered how lentils and potatoes could feel like a hug in a bowl? That’s the magic of simple, hearty food. It’s why I keep coming back to this recipe.My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
I once forgot the cornflour, leaving the sauce too thin. The potatoes slid right off! But the flavors still won me over. Cooking teaches us to adapt—and laugh at our mistakes. Now I double-check my ingredients. Share your own kitchen blunders in the comments!Why This Hotpot Hits Different
– Tamari adds a salty depth that balances the sweet tomatoes. – Crispy potato tops contrast the creamy lentils underneath. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the herbs or the umami kick? Let me know!A Dish With Roots
Hotpots started in northern England, feeding families cheaply. Lentils swapped in later for meat. *Did you know?* The word “hotpot” comes from cooking in one pot over fire. Poll: Would you try a traditional meat version too?
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | |
| White onion | 1 | diced |
| Carrots | 2 medium-large | diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | minced |
| Dried red lentils | 250 g | |
| Corn flour | 1 tbsp | |
| Chopped tomatoes | 1 tin | |
| Vegetable stock cube + water | 1 cube + 400 ml | |
| Tomato puree | 2 tbsp | |
| Tamari sauce | 1 tbsp | |
| Bay leaves | 2 | |
| Mixed herbs | 1 tsp | |
| Rosemary | 1 tsp | |
| Oregano | 1 tsp | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Baking potatoes | 2-3 large | peeled and thinly sliced |
How to Make This Cozy Vegan Hotpot
Step 1 Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Chop onion and carrots. Sauté in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and corn flour.
Step 2 Add lentils, tomatoes, herbs, and half the stock. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir often to avoid sticking.
Step 3 Slice potatoes thin (<0.5cm). Layer them over the lentil mix. Overlap slightly for full coverage.
Step 4 Drizzle potatoes with oil and thyme. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover, bake 20 more. (Hard-learned tip: Soak lentils for 10 minutes first. They’ll cook faster and more evenly.) What’s your go-to cozy winter dish? Share below!
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Vegan
3 Tasty Twists to Try
Spicy Kick Add 1 tsp chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the lentil mix. Heat lovers will cheer.
Root Veggie Boost Swap carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes. Earthy flavors shine here.
Cheesy Finish Sprinkle vegan cheese on potatoes before baking. Melty goodness takes it up a notch. Which twist would you pick? Vote in the comments!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Pair with chilled apple cider (non-alcoholic) or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. Which would you choose tonight? Tell us below!
Storing and Reheating Your Hotpot
This hotpot keeps well in the fridge for 3 days. Just cover it tightly. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 160°C until warm. Freeze portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating. *Fun fact*: My neighbor swears it tastes even better the next day! Batch-cooking? Double the lentils and freeze half the sauce. Why this matters: Meal prep saves time and cuts food waste. Ever tried freezing this dish? Share your tips below!Hotpot Troubleshooting
Sauce too thin? Simmer longer or add a pinch more corn flour. Potatoes not crispy? Skip the foil for the last 10 minutes. Lentils still hard? Cook them 5 extra minutes with extra stock. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big differences in texture. Did you run into other issues? Tell us how you fixed them!Your Hotpot Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap tamari for gluten-free soy sauce and check your stock cube.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed.
Q: What can I use instead of tamari?
A: Regular soy sauce or coconut aminos work fine.
Q: How do I scale this for a crowd?
A: Double everything but bake in two dishes to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I swap sweet potatoes for baking potatoes?
A: Absolutely—just slice them extra thin for even baking.
Let’s Keep Cooking Together
This hotpot is my go-to for chilly nights. I hope it becomes yours too.Tag @AmeliaHartwell on Pinterest with your creations—I’d love to see them! Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell
