Vegan Mushroom Pâté - The Pesky Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) dried red split lentils, rinsed ((see notes))
• 3 cups (700 ml) vegan stock ((plus more if necessary))
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1.2 lbs (600 g) chestnut mushrooms, sliced ((or any mushrooms you like))
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons (100 ml) vegan cashew cream ((optional – see notes))