PREPARE your lentils by adding them to a stockpot with 3 cups of water and simmering on low heat until soft, about 45 minutes. Alternatively, cook them in your Instant Pot on the Manual setting for 8 minutes, releasing the steam valve after 10 minutes.
ONCE the lentils are prepared, keep them in the stockpot (or add to one if you cooked them in your Instant Pot). Add in canned tomatoes, vegetable broth and bay leaves. Season with about 1 teaspoon of sea salt to start, adding more at the end of cooking, if desired.
PREPARE roasted veggies (while lentils are cooking) by arranging onion, garlic, carrots and baby potatoes on a baking tray.
SEASON with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried red chili flakes and toss together.
ROAST in the oven at 400°F until veggies are soft and browned, about 25 minutes, tossing after 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and add to the pot of lentils and tomatoes.
GENTLY stir mixture and set the heat to medium and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, scraping up any bits on the bottom of the pan, until a thick sauce has formed. Taste check to see if you would prefer any more sea salt.
REMOVE from heat, serve with fresh parsley and scallions and enjoy!