Mushroom Lentil Soup

Name: Mushroom Lentil Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 yellow onions, about 2 cups chopped small; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 fennel bulb, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional-adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds (or use ground fennel); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon dried oregano, (Greek or Italian); 1 lb cremini mushrooms (or a mix with shiitake, oysters, chanterelles, lions mane etc.); 1/2 cup dried brown lentils; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced (or 2 teaspoons dried); 4 – 6 cups vegetable broth (see notes)