French Lentil Dinner

This is our go-to cupboard dinner. Ingredients are basic, but the result is delicious. Green French lentils are best, but conventional lentils also work.
 
Ingredients

• 1 small onion, peeled
• 1 medium carrot, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 4 to 6 pieces
• 1 celery stalk, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 4 to 6 pieces
• 1 garlic clove, smashed, peeled, and germ removed
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 shallot, finely chopped, rinsed, and patted dry (optional)
• Freshly ground pepper
• Grated parmesan for on top

 
Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add carrot, water, lentils, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer until lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning and serve.