Super Easy Sunday Dinner: Beefy Lentils and Gravy

Enjoying some delicious Plant-Based Mashed Potatoes really screamed for some beefy main dish to go with.  I tried a vegan meatloaf or two and the amount of work just wasn’t worth it. I came up with this on the fly one day and it’s become a quick & easy staple.  It really hit the spot for a meaty main dish. If your family won’t do lentils you could at least make gravy this way, it’s delicious.  The possibilities are endless with your favorite bouillion/broth and this went from easy to ultra easy with the acquisition of my Instant Pot.  I cook peeled potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot above the lentils and it really makes for a better flavor with less time and dishes.  It is always a major hit with my pickiest eaters!

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Super Easy Sunday Dinner: Beefy Lentils and Gravy

Servings

servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry brown lentils
• 1 clove garlic minced (can leave out but it
• water
• 2 tsp Beef-flavored Better than Bouillion preferably organic
• 4 large potatoes optional
• 8 large carrots optional
• 1/4 tsp black pepper optional

Servings servings Ingredients 1 cup dry brown lentils 1 clove garlic minced (can leave out but it water 2 tsp Beef-flavored Better than Bouillion preferably organic 4 large potatoes optional 8 large carrots optional 1/4 tsp black pepper optional

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

1. If possible, soak the lentils in a pot of water for several hours ahead of time.  I find this makes them cook up quicker and softer but isn't necessary. It also helps to increase digestibility and reduce the gas-causing factors.
2. Rinse soaked lentils and cover with several inches of water. Add minced garlic if desired. I find these help to round out the flavor but you can get away without them.
3. After lentils have softened (15-25 minutes, depending on soak time), drain and blend 1  cup cooked lentils with 1 Cup water and 2 tsp Better than Bouillion. Add to remaining lentils and taste.  I generally run my blender a second time with more water and possibility more Better than Bouillion to reach the desired consistency. Serve on top of potatoes, rice or however you like.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Place 1 cup lentils (unsoaked), 2 cups water and 1 clove minced garlic in bottom of 6 qt Instant Pot. Place tray or strainer in pot and add peeled carrots and potatoes above lentils.
2. Close the lid and make sure the release is in the sealed position. Press Manual, and use arrows to set to 10 minutes. Once done, turn off and let pressure release naturally. After 10 minutes release remaining pressure and remove lid.
3. Separate potatoes and carrots into separate bowl. Blend 1 cup lentils with 1 cup water and 2 tsp Better than Bouillion and pepper if using. Blend until smooth, taste and adjust consistency if desired. Add gravy to lentils and serve.