Rinse & drain the lentils. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Cook the onion & cumin for 5 minutes.
Add the garlic & turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds. Add the lentils & water. Add the kale after 10 minutes of simmering. Add the lemon juice after cooking.
Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils break down. Add a splash of water if needed.
Add the salt & any finishing ingredients noted above. Stir & serve in two bowls.
A little kitchen note
Use split red lentils; whole lentils need a different cooking time.