evidence: - Onion, celery, carrots, garlic: The classic vegetable base provides sweetness, depth, and aromatics to the soup. [...] Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. [...] Ingredients - 3 slices bacon, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped - 1 stalk celery, finely chopped - 2 medium carrots, diced - 3 cloves garlic, chopped - 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes - 6 cups chicken broth, best quality such as Swanson - 1 cup French lentils (lentilles du Puy) or common brown or green lentils - ½ teaspoon dried thyme - 2 bay leaves - 1 teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - A few tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)