• 1 cup red lentils rinsed thoroughly
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot chopped
• 1 small potato optional, for creaminess
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin optional but recommended

For serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Red pepper flakes or mint butter optional