Main Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or more if you prefer a thinner soup)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular if you prefer)
• 1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (or 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar)
• 1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish