Layers of lentils in an easy tomato sauce and potatoes, topped with cheddar cheese, this easy lentil and potato hotpot makes a delicious vegetarian family meal.
If you liked my Vegetable and Lentil Bake then you are going to love this Lentil and Potato Hotpot. Hotpots are one of my favourite comfort foods. There is something so humble and homely about them, the top layer of potatoes being particularly prized and in our house fought over. More often than not in the past when I have made a hotpot it usually contains meat, often lamb but I am always on the look out for satisfying meals without meat, as not only is it good for our health to include meat-free meals its also kinder on the purse.
The boys have good appetites, like their meat, and match any vegetarian dish against their favourite recipes. Harsh critics indeed. We do have plenty of meat-free meals and so long as they are equally satisfying and delicious I don't get any complaints. This dish easily passed that test making it a great economical, healthy and filling midweek meal.
- Cheap and Cheerful
- Family Favourite
- Low Cal
- Meat-free
The Lentils
Lentils are so convenient as they do not need soaking. Puy lentils are reputed to have the best flavour but I find this robust flavoured hotpot is fine made with green lentils (lentils vertes). The lentils are cooked first in a tomato sauce and then layered with the potatoes before going into the oven for about an hour. So it will take about 1 ½ hours to cook but hands on time is only about 15 minutes.
The lentil mixture can be made 24 hours ahead to save time on the day. The potatoes should be thinly cut though they don't need to be wafer thin. I aim for about the thickness of a pound coin, about 4mm. A little thicker wont hurt but they may take a little longer in the oven to cook.
Not only is this dish satisfying and filling it is also low in calories coming in at under 400 cals a portion. Its a meal in itself though I like to serve a green vegetable alongside, broccoli or cabbage goes really well. However it could also be served as a side dish in a main meal in which case it will serve 6-8.
Step by Step Easy Lentil and Potato Hotpot
Easy Lentil and Potato Hotpot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- 2 onions sliced
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 400 g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsp mixed dried herbs
- 150 g green lentils rinsed
- 700 g potatoes sliced
- 250 ml vegetable stock
- 75-100 g vegetarian cheddar cheese grated
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onions for 5 minutes until beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 300ml (½pt) water and herbs and bring to the boil. Add the lentils. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until lentils are soft but still hold their shape. Season to taste
- Preheat the oven to 180℃ (160℃ fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
- Place a layer of potatoes in the bottom of a deep ovenproof dish. Spoon about one quarter of the lentil mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers until all the lentil mixture has been used and finish with a layer of potato. Carefully pour the stock over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- Bake in the centre of the oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cover with foil if the top begins to brown too much.
Notes
Nutrition
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- Cook the onions until softened stir in the garlic.
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- Stir in the tomatoes, dried herbs, water and bring to the boil then add the lentils.
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- Simmer for about 30 minutes or until just tender.
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- Place a layer of potatoes in a deep casserole dish.
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- Top with some of the lentil mixture.
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- Continue layering the lentils and potatoes in the dish.
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- Finish with a layer of potatoes. Pour in the stock.
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- Sprinkle with cheese.
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- Bake until the potatoes are tender and the cheese golden. Cover with foil if the top begins to colour too much.
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Hazelle
Delicious had it with vegetarian sausages , will make again
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
So pleased you liked it
Arsu
Hi, I just wanted to ask, what mix dried herbs did you use?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Hi Arsu, The mixed herbs I use contain a mixture of dried Thyme, Marjoram, Sage, Parsley and Oregano
yilam
tried it today with some additional carrots, very easy and lovely, kept some in the freezer. Not sure if I make it as freezer meals, do I need to pre cook the whole dish first? or put in the freezer after layering with potatoes?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Pleased you liked it.
I freeze this after cooking then defrost and reheat. I think you could freeze before cooking but I haven't tried that the potatoes may discolour.
Balvinder
For my love of potatoes and lentil this recipe is a real winner!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thank you
Janice
What a great idea, lentils are such an underrated ingredient and I love this comfort food recipe.
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
Oh, yes: my family will definitely fight over that gorgeous, crispy potato topping! I love hotpots, and I'm sure I won't even miss the meat in yours!
Cat | Curly's Cooking
I don't eat lamb so I've never actually had a hotpot! Your lentil hotpot would be perfect for me and I would fight people for those crispy potatoes!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Each to their own Cat, I love lamb but i also love this hotpot too. Enjoy!
Jenny Paulin
I really like the look and sound of this dish, however, I am not sure of my fussy lot would. Even by adding a mash potato topping, I am not sure they would be happy. Having said that, I am tempted to give it a try so that we can add another meat free recipe to our menu and because it is the kind of meal that is easy to rustle together. Hmmmmm I might try it......will keep you posted if I do x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I look forward to hearing how you get on. You could try doing half mince and half lentils to begin with
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook
I haven't eaten lentils in such a long time. This one looks delish, Jacqui. Thanks for sharing!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thank you, we are eating more and more they are so good for you.
Corina Blum
It sounds delicious and I'd love to try it but I haven't managed to get my family to eat lentils yet. I will definitely have to keep trying as I love the cheesy topping on this too!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I find if i use them in place of mince they usually go down well. You could try adding just a few to mince to start with then gradually cut back on the meat until before they know it they are eating lentils