Creating Carrot and Lentil Soup is a simple process if you follow these steps:

1. Rinse Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
2. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Carrots: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin and coriander, stirring to combine, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Incorporate Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and canned tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
7. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils and carrots are tender.
9. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Blend (Optional): For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer it to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
11. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll create a delicious Carrot and Lentil Soup that everyone will love.