Red Lentil and Carrot Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup red lentils, rinsed until water runs clear
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 bouillon cube
• 8 cups hot water
• lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
• chili flakes