Instructions
Step 1
Get a big pot, like a Dutch oven, heating up over medium with the olive oil. Throw the onions in first and let them cook and soften up for 5 minutes or so.
Step 2
Now chuck in the carrots and celery. Give them another 5-7 minutes to get a head start on softening. You can't really rush this part—this is where the good flavor starts building.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir it all for a minute. The second you can smell it, you know you're on the right track.
Step 4
Time to pour in the rinsed lentils and the vegetable broth. Bring it up to a boil, then knock the heat down to low, cover it, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5
While the lentils are going, slice your potatoes. You want them thin. A mandoline is great for this, but a sharp knife works just fine if you're careful.
Step 6
Okay, check on your lentils. They should be partly cooked. Dump in the nutritional yeast. It sounds a little weird if you're new to it, but it gives a savory, cheesy-ish flavor. Trust the process. Now taste it. Does it need more salt? Some pepper? Fix it now.
Step 7
Now, the potatoes. Don't stress about making it look perfect. Just layer the potato slices over the top to cover all the lentils. If it looks a little rustic, that's fine. It's a hotpot, not a wedding cake.
Step 8
Cover the pot and get it into your preheated 375∘F (190∘C) oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes.
Step 9
Take the lid off. Let it go for another 20-30 minutes. You’re looking for the potatoes to get soft and golden brown on top, maybe a little crispy on the very edges.
Step 10
And that's it. Pull it from the oven. Let it cool for a minute because it will be ridiculously hot. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before you serve it.