Creating a pot of Lentil Soup is simple! Follow these steps to bring your comforting bowl to life:

1. Rinse Lentils: In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well for another minute to blend the spices.
5. Combine Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils and pour in the vegetable broth or water. Stir well.
6. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
7. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating this heartwarming Lentil Soup, making it an easy job for both novice and veteran cooks alike.