Creamy Lentil Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage and Toasted Fennel Seeds

Ingredients

• 1/2 tbsp (7.5 ml) butter
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) onions, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) celery, finely chopped
• 2 cups (500 ml) carrots, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups (500 ml) red lentils
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared yellow mustard
• 4 cups (1 L) low sodium chicken broth (ready to use)
• 2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups (375 - 500 ml) milk
• 1 lb (454 g) spicy Italian sausage**
• 2 tsp (10 ml) fennel seeds, toasted
• 2 tbsp (25 ml) fresh parsley, chopped