Broth, preferably homemade meat or vegetable broth, or water,if needed
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
A sprig of fresh rosemary optional
Optional toppings
Freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano
Olive oil
Instructions
Prep and cook the lentils
Optionally, set the lentils in a large bowl covered with water by at least 8cm (3 in). Soak overnight (or at least two hours).
In a large pot, place the lentils, along with the garlic and bay leaf. Cover with water by at least 3cm (1 in). Simmer until barely tender. Add water as needed to keep the lentils covered. When they're done, turn off the heat, add salt to taste and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
Prep and cook the leeks
Meanwhile, prep the leeks by trimming off their dark green tops, then cut them down the middle lengthwise, and if thick again into quarters. If you see any grit, then rinse the leeks thoroughly, drain them and let them dry. Cut the leeks horizontally into large dice.
When the leeks are very tender, add the lentils, drained of their cooking water, to the pot. Stir the lentils into the leeks and let them simmer together for a few minutes, tossing from time to time.
Add enough cooking liquid from the lentils to the pot to cover the lentils and leeks entirely, along with the rosemary if using. Simmer everything together for another 5-10 minutes or so.
If you like a thicker soup (and I often do) crush some of the lentils with a wooden spoon or spatula against the side of the pot as they simmer, as many as you need to get the consistency you prefer. Conversely, if the soup is too thick for your taste, add more liquid, either the cooking liquid from the lentils, broth or water. At the end of cooking, taste and adjust for seasoning.
Serve hot, topped if you like with a drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano, or both.