Easy Everyday Lentil Soup with Sausage - DASH diet friendly

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2 large celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 2 cups lentils
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3 quarts chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water
• Shredded cheese for topping (optional)