Hearty Lentil and Kale Soup Recipe

Name: Hearty Lentil and Kale Soup Recipe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion (chopped (Optional)); 3 garlic cloves (minced and 1 garlic clove, mashed (Optional)); 6½ cups water; 1¼ cup brown lentils (rinsed and drained); ½ large bunch coarsely chopped kale; 1 medium russet potato (diced); ¼ cup lemon juice; 3-4 tablespoons nutritional yeast; Salt and black pepper to taste