Lentil Soup

Name: Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Ingredients; 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 carrots, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped