Italian Lentil Soup

Name: Italian Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: European, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large white onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock; 1 1/4 cups green or brown lentils, picked over and rinsed; 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cups chopped kale or collard greens; 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for topping; fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper; freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, for topping