Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the sausage meat and cook, breakup with a wooden spoon, for 6 minutes or until browned and then use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Heat remaining oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onion, carrot, fennel, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until softened and then add the soup base and water and cover and bring to a simmer and simmer for 4 minutes and then add the lentils and sausage meat and simmer, covered, for 2 minutes or until warmed through and then add the kale and simmer, covered for 2 minutes or until just wilted and serve with parmesan toast, if using.