Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Chop the leeks, carrots, and garlic into uniform pieces. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast:
Carrots: 30-40 minutes
Leeks: 25-35 minutes
Garlic: 20-25 minutes
Cook the Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove dust and debris. In a large pot, bring 1 litre of vegetable stock and 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for 15-20 minutes until they begin to break down. Stir occasionally.
Combine Ingredients: Once the vegetables are roasted, add them to the pot with the lentils. Stir in cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
Blend to Desired Texture: Use an immersion blender for a smooth soup or leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.
Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning as needed. For extra flavour, stir in nutritional yeast.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.