Lentil Soup

i created this Italian style lentil soup & tried it with both black eyed peas & lentils the last couple weekends:

heat olive oil in a big soup pot. add 1/2 chopped onion & saute till edges are browned. crush 3-4 large cloves of garlic with the back of a broad knife & roughly chop. add to sauteed onion. let brown for 2-3 min. medium chop 1/2 bulb of fennel & add to the spice mixture & saute for another 2-3 min. add 1 cup washed lentils (or any other beans you prefer) & 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth. Allow it to come to boil & let simmer for 30-40 min until beans are almost cooked. add 1 zuchini & 1 bell pepper, chopped into big chunks & cook until softened. add salt to taste & freshly ground black pepper. stir in finely chopped fresh rosemary & thyme, 1 tsp each & immediately turn the heat off.

while serving, pour a tsp of really good quality olive oil or truffle oil along with some freshly ground pepper & serve with some crusty italian bread.