Lentil Bolognese – The Mediterranean Dish

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1/2 fennel bulb, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes
• 1/3 cup red lentils
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 pound pasta, optional, to serve