Easy Lentil Ragu - Alberta Pulse Growers

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups (500 mL) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup (250 mL) finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely diced celery
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste
• 1 can (28 fl oz/796 mL) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (500 mL) chicken or vegetable broth, low or no sodium
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup (250 mL) dry red lentils, rinsed & drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp (5 mL) sugar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) red pepper flakes
• salt & pepper, to taste
• cooked pasta of choice
• grated Parmesan cheese & fresh basil