Carrot Lentil Soup

Name: Carrot Lentil Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves (crushed); 1 2-inch piece of ginger (peeled and chopped); 1 yellow onion (chopped); 1 pound carrots (scrubbed, and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds); Salt and pepper; 3/4 teaspoon garam masala (plus more if desired); 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1/3 cup dried red lentils (rinsed and drained); 2 slices thin pita bread with pockets*; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon za'atar; 1 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons tahini paste; 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro | minced)