Pick over the lentils, removing any shriveled pieces or stones, and rinse in a fine-mesh strainer. Drain well.
½ cup red lentils
Set the electric pressure cooker to the Sauté setting. When the pot is hot, pour in the avocado oil.
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Add the onion and green pepper to the pot and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. Hit Cancel on the control panel once the vegetables are ready.
1 medium onion, 1 small green bell pepper
Add the broth to the pot and scrape up any brown bits. Stir in the tomato paste.
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Stir well.
28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 14½ ounces diced fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Close and lock the lid. Make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.”
Cook the sauce on high pressure for 13 minutes.
When the cooking is complete, hit Cancel. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Once the pin drops, unlock and remove the lid. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir well.
kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper