Savory Lentil Soup

I like lentils and don't use them enough.
This is a good soup which is very tasty.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 fennel bulb, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
4 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
8 cups Chicken Broth
16 ounces dried lentils, rinsed
2 cups coarsely chopped watercress
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.
Add fennel, onion, carrot and celery
and cook until tender.
Stir in tomatoes, garlic,
red pepper, bay leaf,
broth and lentils. Heat to a boil.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook 25 minutes
or until lentils are tender.
Discard bay leaf.
Stir in watercress and cook 2 minutes.
Serve with cheese, if desired.