The Proper Hearty Red Lentil Vegetable Soup - Cooking with Kendra

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrots, diced
• 2 medium Celery Stalks, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsp Smoked Paprika (Sweet)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 large Bay Leaf
• 1 cup Red Lentils, rinsed well
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (or stock)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)