Yes, can use cumin as well. Some people use a little grated raw ginger, but I've never done that. I used to make my lentil soup with white potatoes in it, but lately I just use yellow/orange vegetables like the carrot and orange sweet potato (kumara). I've come to like the texture better without the white potato. I also use the brown dried lentils. I soak them for a while and rinse very well. They work out better than the canned lentils. After making it all up I blend it for a short while but leave some chunky bits as well as the smooth, if that makes sense.

I hope you feel a little more settled now and that you'll be able to get some sleep yourself tonight. Keep safe there.