Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Sauté garlic, carrot and onion until softened - around 5 minutes.

Step 3

Cook off tomato paste: Add tomato paste, bay leaf and thyme. Cook 2 minutes.

Step 4

Add lentils, simmer 15 minutes: Add lentils, stock, salt and pepper. Stir, bring to simmer, then lower heat and simmer without a lid for 15 minutes until the lentils are soft (don't let them overcook so they become mushy!).

Step 5

Season: Stir through parsley. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve!