Italian Lentil Soup is the Best - Appetito

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried brown lentils, soaked overnight in water then drained before using
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 pound cubed guanciale (optional)
• 6 cups chicken stock or water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fennel pollen or oregano
• 1 Parmigiano rind
• 1/2 cup Aceto Balsamico
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (if omitting the guanciale)
• 1 small can tomato paste
• Salt u0026amp; Pepper