Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the garlic, and cook over medium heat  for 1 minute

Step 2

Add the chopped mushrooms and sliced fennel and cook over medium-high for 7 minutes, stirring often

Step 3

Add the lentils and the water or broth. Add salt, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, and fennel seeds if using. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer 35 minutes.  Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste