Hearty Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt
• pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)