Description

Cozy Christmas Hotpot is a warm and comforting vegan dish perfect for festive gatherings. It features a medley of fresh vegetables, firm tofu, and fragrant aromatics simmered in a flavorful sesame and soy-infused vegetable broth with a hint of chili heat. This nourishing hotpot pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth and Aromatics

6 cups Vegetable Broth (Choose high-quality broth or make your own.)
1 inch Ginger (Peeled and sliced thinly.)
3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (For flavor.)
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (For seasoning.)
1 tablespoon Chili Paste (Adjust according to spice preference.)

Vegetables and Protein

14 ounces Tofu (Firm or extra-firm, cut into cubes.)
8 ounces Shiitake Mushrooms (Fresh, sliced.)
2 medium Carrots (Peeled and sliced into rounds.)
1 cup Broccoli (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
2 cups Cabbage (Shredded or chopped.)
4 pieces Green Onions (Chopped.)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables uniformly for even cooking and set them aside to streamline the cooking process.
Heat Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced ginger, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, to release their flavors.
Add Broth and Boil: Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, raise heat to high, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld the flavors.
Cook Tofu and Early Vegetables: Add cubed tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and carrot rounds to the boiling broth. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the carrots start to soften.
Add Remaining Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped cabbage and broccoli florets into the pot, stirring to mix, and allow the broth to continue simmering.
Season Hotpot: Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of chili paste, adjusting the spice level to your preference, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Simmer for Flavor: Reduce heat to low and let the hotpot simmer for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors and tenderize vegetables while maintaining their vibrant texture.
Add Green Onions: Stir in chopped green onions and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to add a fresh, sharp finish.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or chili paste if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestion: Serve the hotpot hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete and nourishing meal.

Notes

Use firm or extra-firm tofu to prevent it from breaking apart during cooking.
Adjust chili paste according to your preferred spice level.
For a richer flavor, consider making homemade vegetable broth.
Do not overcook the vegetables to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
This hotpot can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.