Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking them for about five minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Once your vegetables are softened, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until its delightful aroma fills your kitchen.
Next, add rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover your pot with a lid and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until both lentils and potatoes are tender.
If you’re including spinach or kale for extra nutrients, stir them into the pot during the last five minutes of cooking until wilted.
Finally, taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls garnished with fresh parsley for an inviting presentation!