Creole Okra and Lentil Stew

Name: Creole Okra and Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped onions; 1 cup chopped red bell peppers; ½ cup chopped celery; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp dried cayenne pepper; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp dried rosemary; ½ tsp dried sage; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; 1 cup red lentils; 6 cups cut okra (frozen or fresh); 3 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 Tbsp hot sauce, not tabasco (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)