Tasty Vegetarian Bolognese

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
• 1 cup finely chopped leek
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• coarsely ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¾ cup creme fraiche
• 2 carrots, grated
• ½ cup red lentils
• 3 tablespoons vegetable broth (such as Knorr® Touch of Taste)
• ½ teaspoon sambal oelek (chile paste)

Directions

Warm some oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the mushrooms, leek, a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Cook everything together, stirring now and then, until the mushrooms have softened—this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, crème fraîche, grated carrots, red lentils, vegetable broth, and a spoonful of sambal oelek. Give it a good stir, then let it come to a gentle simmer. Pop a lid on and let it cook for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so all those flavors meld beautifully.