Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté garlic, carrot and onion until softened - around 5 minutes.
Cook off tomato paste: Add tomato paste, bay leaf and thyme. Cook 2 minutes.
Add lentils, simmer 15 minutes: Add lentils, stock, salt and pepper. Stir, bring to simmer, then lower heat and simmer without a lid for 15 minutes until the lentils are soft (don't let them overcook so they become mushy!).
Season: Stir through parsley. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve!