Name: Easy Vegan Lentil Hotpot with Crispy Potato Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 white onion, diced; 2 medium-large carrots, diced; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 250 g dried red lentils; 1 tbsp corn flour; 1 tin chopped tomatoes (about 400 g); 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, to taste; 2-3 large baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into discs (about 0.5 cm thick); Olive oil, for drizzling; Black pepper, to taste; Thyme, to sprinkle

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 44 reviews

If you are searching for a hearty, comforting, and nourishing meal that is completely plant-based, look no further than the Easy Vegan Lentil Hotpot with Crispy Potato Topping Recipe. This dish brings together the earthiness of red lentils simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce, all crowned with a beautifully golden, crispy potato topping that adds texture and warmth. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome dinner that is both satisfying and bursting with layers of flavor, making it an absolute favorite to cozy up with any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a thick lentil stew with many small orange lentils and bits of carrot mixed in a rich reddish-orange sauce with a soft, slightly shiny texture, filling the whole frame with no plate or bowl visible, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is easy, and each element plays a vital role in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the sweetness of the carrots and onions to the punch of herbs and the crispy potato finish, everything is chosen with love and purpose.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a silky richness that carries the flavors beautifully.
White onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base that softens and deepens the dish’s aroma.
Carrots: Offer subtle sweetness and a tender bite that contrasts nicely with the lentils.
Garlic cloves: Bring a fragrant sharpness to brighten the savory notes.
Dried red lentils: The protein-packed heart of the hotpot, which cooks into a wonderfully creamy texture.
Corn flour: Acts as a natural thickener to give the sauce the perfect cling.
Chopped tomatoes (1 tin): Add acidity and depth, balancing the sweetness and herbs.
Vegetable stock cube + water: Infuse the lentils with savory richness and moisture for cooking.
Tomato puree: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a robust base.
Tamari sauce: Imparts a salty umami kick, elevating every bite.
Bay leaves: Introduce subtle floral and herbal notes during simmering.
Mixed herbs: Keep the dish vibrant with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Rosemary: Adds earthiness that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Oregano: Complements the tomato base with its warm, slightly bitter undertone.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients into balance.
Baking potatoes (2-3 large): Peeled and thinly sliced for the irresistibly crispy and golden topping.

How to Make Easy Vegan Lentil Hotpot with Crispy Potato Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Dice the white onion and carrots finely and add them to the pan. Sauté gently for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables turn soft and slightly sweet. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step lays down the foundational flavors, drawing out their natural sweetness and aroma before the lentils join the party.

Step 2: Build the Lentil Sauce

Sprinkle the corn flour over the softened veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Now add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, tamari sauce, red lentils, and half of your prepared vegetable stock. Toss in the bay leaves, mixed herbs, rosemary, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to add more stock if it starts to get too dry. When the lentils are soft and beginning to melt into the sauce, your base is ready to move onto the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

While your lentils are gently bubbling away, peel the baking potatoes and slice them very thinly—aim for less than 0.5 cm thickness so they crisp perfectly in the oven. These thin rounds will create that iconic crispy potato topping that makes this hotpot truly special.

Step 4: Assemble the Hotpot

If you cooked your lentil sauce in a skillet that is oven-safe, you can build the hotpot right there; otherwise, transfer the sauce to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula to create a flat surface. Carefully arrange the sliced potatoes over the sauce, overlapping slightly but avoiding large gaps. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful layered look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle a little olive oil over the potato topping, then season with black pepper and thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake in your preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy crust that will have you reaching for seconds in no time.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Lentil Hotpot with Crispy Potato Topping Recipe

A round black pan filled with a layer of thin, round potato slices arranged in two circles on top. The outer circle has larger slices placed neatly, slightly overlapping, and the inner circle has smaller slices stacked in the center. The potato slices are pale yellow with light seasoning of black pepper. The pan is resting on a dark gray cloth, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top adds a bright, fresh touch that contrasts wonderfully with the warm, earthy hotpot. A dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of a good quality olive oil can elevate the experience even more.

Side Dishes

This hotpot is a fantastic main on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed greens like kale or broccoli. If you want something more indulgent, creamy garlic mushrooms or a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve individual portions of this hotpot in rustic ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only looks inviting but keeps each serving warm and crisp. You could even layer the potatoes in a circular pattern for a stunning visual impact that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Easy Vegan Lentil Hotpot with Crispy Potato Topping Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the luscious flavors and textures, and simply warm it up again when hunger strikes.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for batch cooking. Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Make sure to thaw fully before reheating to preserve the texture and taste.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the hotpot in an oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) until warmed through and the potato topping regains some of its crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch but might soften the potatoes slightly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this hotpot?

Red lentils are ideal because they cook quickly and break down nicely, creating a creamy sauce. While you can use other lentils like brown or green, keep in mind they take longer to cook and retain a firmer texture that might change the dish’s creaminess.

Is the potato topping gluten-free?

Absolutely! This potato topping contains no gluten, making the whole recipe naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free stock and tamari sauce.

How do I make the potato topping extra crispy?

Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, brush them with olive oil, and avoid overcrowding the dish. Removing the foil during the last baking stage allows them to crisp up beautifully.

Can I add other vegetables to this hotpot?

Yes! Feel free to add diced celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the sauté step to customize the hotpot according to your preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. This hotpot freezes well and reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Easy Vegan Lentil Hotpot with Crispy Potato Topping Recipe that warms the heart and soul. Its balance of hearty lentils, rich tomato and herbs, and that irresistible crunchy potato crust makes it the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and dive into this comforting feast that celebrates simple, vibrant vegan cooking.