
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture.
Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice (if using).
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Decent soup. The lentils cooked well. I would have liked a bit more acidity, so I'll add more lemon juice next time. Otherwise, it was pretty good.
I'm not sure what went wrong, but my soup was a bit watery. I followed the recipe, but maybe I didn't cook it long enough? The flavor was also a bit underwhelming.
This lentil soup is a lifesaver! I'm always looking for healthy and easy recipes, and this one is a winner. I used vegetable broth as suggested, and it really enhanced the flavor. It's also super filling!
Absolutely delicious! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. The soup was so flavorful and hearty. The perfect meal for a cold night. I especially loved the use of thyme.
The soup was good, but I found it a little bland. I think the next time, I'll try adding more spices at the beginning. Also, maybe a little more liquid.