rinse lentils
put lentils in a big pot with 3/4th the pot filled with water, put on low heat (very low)
sautee in 1 T olive oil diced green pepper until soft, half way through add diced onion, when the onion is golden put both in the pot.
next sautee the diced garlic and the paprika in 1/2 T oil
add both to the soup
turn up the soup to med. flame
let simmer for 2-3 hours depending on your preferance concerning the soup's thickness.
salt and pepper to taste
serve with spanish,itallian or vegan french bread (traditionally they are made with only flour and water, that is the way my Tia Josefina makes it)