HOW YOU DO IT:

1.  Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.  Add the onion, and cook for 5 minutes, until the onions are tender, stirring regularly.  Add the carrot, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook for another 5 minutes.

2.  Tie the rosemary and thyme sprigs together, to form a bouquet garni.  Add the tomatoes and the bouquet garni.  Stirring frequently, cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes have cooked down and are smelling fragrant.

3.  Add the lentils and mix to coat.  Add 5 cups of water (or more, if you prefer a thinner, more soup-like consistency), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.  Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently for about 25 minutes.

4.  After 25 minutes, add the pasta.  Cover, and cook for a final 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.  Remove the bouquet, and season to taste, as necessary.

5.  Serve warm, garnishing each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan!