My mom taught me a really simple recipe for lentil soup.
We use the brown lentils.

Bag of Lentils (you don't have to soak lentils, but i will usually put them in a mixing bowl and cover with warm water right before i cook)
Pound of ground meat
Half of a white or yellow onion - chopped/diced
Half a can of tomatoe paste

Brown the ground meat, drain.
Sautee your chopped/diced onion.
Add meat back in.
Season to flavor (i simply use salt, pepper-try white pepper; it has a little more kick, garlic powder, soy sauce)
Add Lentils and water, usually up to about 1/2 to an inch from the top of your pot)
Add half a can of tomatoe paste.
Medium-low heat for a good simmer.
Just keep an eye out on it. Watch your water, and taste test for seasoning and bean doneness.
Honestly, i've been cooking them for so long, i cant remember the time! lol
But you'll be able to tell when the beans are done by tasting them.
Its actually better the next day after its had time to flavor-mell and thicken up


Add fresh french bread, onion slices, salad for sides!

i should have added:
of course you can make it vegan/vegetarian simply by not adding the meat. The beans and the tomatoe paste make it thick. ")