Over-moistens the hotpot (4)
I believe the answer is:
stew
'hotpot' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'over-moistens' is the wordplay.
'over' is a reversal indicator.
'moistens' becomes 'wets' (I've seen this in another clue).
'wets' reversed gives 'STEW'.
'the' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for stew that I've seen before include "Artificial oyster bed" , "Dish of meat and mixed vegetables" , "State of anxiety; dish" , "Dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid" , "Slow cooked meat dish" .)