French Lentil Ragout

French lentil ragout

Serves 4-6 as a side

1 lb French lentils, covered with boiling water for 15 minutes

½ cup vegetable oil

2 cups finely chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped carrot

2 minced garlic cloves

1 thyme bouquet

3 cups water

4 T tomato paste

4 T red wine vinegar

Heat oil, sauté vegetables till soft

Add drained lentils, water, and thyme

Cover and simmer 20-30 minutes till lentils cooked

Add vinegar, tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper