Lentil Soup - Great Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown, rinsed and drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tbsp ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)