Italian Vegetable Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp

olive oil

1 1/2 cups

diced carrots ((3 medium))

1 1/2 cups

diced yellow onions ((1 medium))

1 1/2 tbsp

minced garlic ((4 cloves))

4 14.5 ounce cans

vegetable broth

2 14.5 ounce cans

diced tomatoes

1 1/4 cups

dried brown lentils (, rinsed and picked over)

1 1/2 tsp

dried basil

1/2 tsp

dried oregano

1/2 tsp

dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups

diced zucchini ((1 medium))

2 cups

packed chopped kale or spinach

1 tbsp

fresh lemon juice

Parmesan cheese (, for serving (optional))