Creating a delicious pot of Lentil Soup can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse the Lentils: Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any debris.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Add Bay Leaf: Toss in the bay leaf for added depth of flavor.
6. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
8. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the pot.
10. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible soup effortlessly.