Creating Savory Lentil and Potato Soup is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Lentils and Spices: Add the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors.

4. Pour in Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.

6. Taste and Adjust: After cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

7. Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.

8. Serve Hot: Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

These simple steps will guide you in creating a delicious batch of Savory Lentil and Potato Soup effortlessly.