3 carrots, chopped
2 stems celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 large onions, chopped
green salad, to serve
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tsp dried thyme
500g/1lb 2oz Puy lentils, rinsed and drained
300g/10陆oz dried pasta
1 x 400g tin tomatoes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato pur茅e
1陆 litres/2陆 pints vegetable stock
vegetarian cheese, to serve