Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 tsp oil (, or 1/4 cup broth)
• 1/2 medium onion chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 10 oz of sliced mushroom ((mix of cremini, white and portabello))
• 1/4 cup red wine ((or whiskey or 1 tbsp balsamic + 1 tbsp soy sauce/coconut aminos for soy free))
• 3/4 cups sliced carrots (, or other veggies such as zucchini, celery, or a mix)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp ground sage
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 cup uncooked brown lentils
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups of water (or veggie broth)
• 12 oz cubed sweet potato ((2 medium sweet potatoes), or use regular potatoes)
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp or more salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• black pepper, dried/fresh thyme to taste (, additional flavors: chives, chopped parsely)

Steps

1. 1

   Start the instant pot on sauté. Add oil, when hot add onion and garlic and cook for a minute. Then add the mushrooms and a good pinch of salt and cook for 3 minutes, add the wine and mix well and continue to cook for 2 more minutes.

2. 2

   Cancel sauté, add the carrots, dry lentils, salt, herbs, tomato paste, water or broth and give it a good mix. (additional flavors: add 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary or dried oregano. Add a tbsp of Worcestershire sauce)

3. 3

   Place a steamer basket over the lentil mixture and add cubed sweet potato to the basket. Close the lid. Pressure cook for 11-14 minutes, longer for older, green lentils (Stove top instructions in the notes).

4. 4

   Let pressure release naturally. Open the lid, remove the steamer basket. Transfer the steamed sweet potatoes to a bowl and mash with a fork.

5. 5

   Add the salt, garlic, thyme, pepper and extra virgin olive oil and mix well. Taste and adjust the flavor if needed. (If using regular potatoes, add a few tbsp of non dairy milk)

6. 6

   Taste and adjust the lentil stew in the instant pot and add salt if needed, add a good dash of black pepper. You can also fold in some baby spinach and 1/3 cup green peas at this point.

7. 7

   Serve the stew over mashed sweet potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs and black pepper. You can also add toasted breadcrumbs and olive oil garnish.