Turn on your Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Heat the olive oil, then add the chopped eggplants and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Once done, remove the eggplants from the Instant Pot and set them aside.
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell peppers to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to tenderize.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function and adjust the time to 5 minutes.
While the Instant Pot does its magic, cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Once the Instant Pot's timer goes off, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Add the sautéed eggplants back into the Instant Pot, stirring them gently into the stew. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes until the eggplants become tender and absorb the flavors.
Now, add the cooked elbow macaroni pasta to the stew, mixing it well with the vegetables and sauce.
Once the stew reaches the desired consistency and the flavors have fully developed, turn off the Instant Pot.
Discard the bay leaves, and your delightful Vegetarian Slumgullion Irish Stew with chopped eggplants and pasta is ready to be served!
Ladle the warm stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Experience the magic of the Instant Pot as you savor every spoonful of this nutritious and flavorsome Vegetarian Goulash. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet hearty meal, this Instant Pot version will become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!