Prepare your vegetables.
Sautee them with olive oil and butter for 3 minutes.
Transfer the vegetables into your cooking pot.
Add the remaining ingredients, mixing well.
Simmer until the lentils are tender. In a crockpot, this takes 2-3 hours on high.
OPTIONAL STEP: Puree the soup, leaving it somewhat lumpy.
Taste test for final seasoning.
Serve with a lemon wedge and some crusty bread.