Lentil Minestrone | Life is a Palindrome

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small carrot, minced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup minced celery
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• One 14-ounce can tomatoes with juice, seeded and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 8 cups water (less to start)
• 1 parmesan rind (optional)
• Few sprigs parsley, chopped
• Few springs thyme, or 1/2 tsp. dried
• 1 bay leaf
• Few pinches of cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 1/2-2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup small pasta, such as elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini, or Arborio rice; OR
• 1/2 cup brown rice
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan