In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon salt and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the garlic, tomato paste, and gochujang and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes or until it is caramelized and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the cauliflower, lentils, water, soy sauce, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Stir in the tomatoes and their juices, using your hands to crush the tomatoes open as you add them to the pot (or crush them in the can first, then add them).
Bring to a boil, then give it a stir and reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked/breaking down, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot (you can add more water, if needed). Turn off the heat.
Add about 2 cups of the soup to a blender along with the yogurt or sour cream (see note) and miso. If you don’t like big tomato chunks, fish them out of the soup and add to the blender. If you want a totally smooth soup, you can blend the whole thing in batches. Blend until smooth, making sure to let the steam escape. Stir it back into the pot.
Serve topped with scallions, black pepper, and olive oil (or a pat of butter). Serve with a simple grilled cheese for dipping (see serving note).