Abruzzese Lentil Soup

Makes 6 servings

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1 16-ounce bag brown or green lentils

2 garlic cloves, smashed

2 bay leaves

6 cups chicken stock

1 onion, peeled

2 celery stalks

2 carrots, peeled

2 tablespoons olive oil

14-ounce can diced tomatoes

14-ounce can chickpeas, drained

Sea salt and pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving

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1. Rinse the lentils, then place in a pan with the garlic, bay leaves, and 6 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook until almost tender, about 25 to 30 minutes, skimming off the foam occasionally.

2. In the meantime, finely dice the onion and celery and slice the carrots into thin coins. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes and stir well, then add to the lentils and their cooking liquid. Simmer until nice and soupy, about 15 minutes.

4. Add the chickpeas, sea salt, and pepper, and simmer for at least 10 minutes longer, adding extra water as necessary.

5. Stir in the chopped parsley and ladle into soup bowls. Serve with grated Parmesan.

Note: Lentils from Abruzzi or Umbria in Italy or Puy in France are best, but regular supermarket lentils will do.

Per serving: 461 calories; 27 grams protein; 74 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams sugar; 10 grams fat; no cholesterol; 988 milligrams sodium; 31 grams dietary fiber.