Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Name: Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 31 min
Total time: 46 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 tbsp olive oil (divided); 2 carrots (peeled and diced); 1 rib celery (diced); 1 onion (diced); 1 3/4 tsp salt (divided); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 1/2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; 9 cups water; 1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils (rinsed); 3 Bay leaves; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp minced parsley (optional for garnish)