🛢 1 tablespoon olive oil
🧅 1 small onion (finely chopped)
🥕 1 carrot (grated or finely chopped)
🌿 2 celery stalks (finely chopped, optional)
🧄 3 cloves garlic (minced)
🍅 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
🍅 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
🥄 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
🥄 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
🍷 ½ cup vegetable broth or red wine (adds richness)
🥄 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🥫 1 ½ cups cooked lentils (or 1 can, drained & rinsed)
🧂 Salt & black pepper (to taste)
🍋 Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness, optional)
🌿 Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
📌 1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
📌 2. Add the Tomatoes & Seasonings
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in vegetable broth or red wine and bring to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
📌 3. Add the Lentils & Simmer
- Stir in cooked lentils, season with salt and black pepper, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water.
📌 4. Finish with Freshness
- Stir in lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
📌 5. Serve & Enjoy! 🍝
- Serve over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
