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
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon or 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Optional Ingredients:

• 1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish