Soak lentils for a few hours
Brown bacon in an enameled cast iron pot
Add olive oil and sweat shallot, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper
Add cherry tomatoes and black pepper
Add drained lentils and enough water to cover them
Simmer until lentils are cooked and chewy
Reheat cooked lentils and their broth
Boil pasta in salted water until softened
Move pasta to the simmering lentils
Stir to combine and add pasta cooking water or stock
Simmer until pasta is soft
Finish with parsley or mint
Optional: Sprinkle with grated cheese
