Easy Vegan Stovies (Potato Stew - Scottish Recipe) - The Pesky Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or plant-based butter
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks
• 1 litre vegan stock
• 2 tablespoons Marmite ((or other yeast extract))
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 200 g dried red split lentils, rinsed
• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chunks or slices
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives or parsley, to serve ((optional))