Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into small, even pieces. Alternatively, use a food processor for a finer texture.
2. Set the vegetables aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Season with salt and pepper to start building flavor.

3. Add the Lentils

1. Stir the cooked lentils into the sautéed vegetables.
2. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavor to deepen.

4. Build the Sauce

1. Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pan.
2. Stir in rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
3. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer the Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pan.
2. Let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. The sauce will thicken and develop a rich flavor.

6. Serve with Pasta

1. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water as needed for consistency.