Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the onions and sauté for 2 minutes.

Add the garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add the oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until spices have coated the onions and garlic. Cancel the sauté function.

Add the brown lentils, the broth or water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, yellow mustard, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything has combined.

Lock the lid in place and make sure the steam release handle is closed. Set to manual high pressure for 12 minutes. Instant Pot will take roughly 10 minutes to build pressure, timer will start counting down after it has reached pressure.

After the time has ended, let the pressure release naturally, this will take roughly 20 minutes.

Once the pressure has been released naturally (you will know pressure has been released when the float valve has dropped back down), slowly unlock and remove the lid. Stir so everything combines.

If using, add the liquid smoke, stir and taste. If you find it too acidic, add maple syrup, starting with 1 tablespoon, to balance it out. Stir to combine and taste again. Add another tablespoon of maple syrup, if needed.

Serve on rolls of your choice with toppings and sides of your choice (see above for suggestions).

Stove top

Heat a large-sized pot over medium heat. Once the pot is hot, add the oil and let heat for a few seconds.

Once the oil is hot, add the onions and sauté for 2 minutes.

Add the garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add the oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until spices have coated the onions and garlic.

Add the brown lentils, the broth or water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, yellow mustard, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything has combined.

Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer until the lentils are cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.

If using, add the liquid smoke, stir and taste. If you find it too acidic, add maple syrup, starting with 1 tablespoon, to balance it out. Stir to combine and taste again. Add another tablespoon of maple syrup, if needed.

Serve on rolls of your choice with toppings and sides of your choice (see above for suggestions).

Slow cooker

Add all ingredients (except oil) to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Set on low and cook for 7-8 hours or set to high and cook for 3-4 hours. Check to be sure lentils are cooked through.

If using, add the liquid smoke, stir and taste. If you find it too acidic, add maple syrup, starting with 1 tablespoon, to balance it out. Stir to combine and taste again. Add another tablespoon of maple syrup, if needed.

Serve on rolls of your choice with toppings and sides of your choice (see above for suggestions).