Heartwarming Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 3-4 cloves Garlic
• 1 large, diced Onion
• 2, diced Carrots
• 2, diced Celery stalks
• 3 small, cubed Potatoes
• 1 cup Red lentils
• 2 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• a generous pinch Saffron
• 1/4 cup Hot water (for saffron)
• 1/2 tsp Chili flakes
• 1 tsp Sweet paprika
• 2 tsp Turmeric
• 2 tsp Salt
• 2 L (8 cups) Water or unsalted veggie stock
• 1/2 cup Vermicelli
• to taste Fresh lemon juice
• for garnish Fresh cilantro
• generous sprinkle Zatar