Heat 1/4 cup of filtered water in a Dutch oven, or a large soup pot, over medium heat.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until just soft and starting to get translucent (approx. 5 min.).
Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook until fragrant (approx. 1 min.).
Stir in zucchini and rice until well incorporated.
Add the vegetable broth, water, parsley, and bay leaves. Bring mixture to a boil and then cover and set heat to a low simmer.
Cook until rice is fluffy, and vegetables are soft (approximately 25-30 min.).
Remove from heat, stir in half of the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and vegan parmesan cheese if using. Add the second half of the lemon juice if desired, according to your taste preference.
Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and more nutritional yeast and cheese if desired.
ENJOY!