Mediterranean Kitchen Lentil Soup

Directions

Bring lentils and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, while preparing the vegetables.

Meanwhile, in small frying pan cook onions in ¼ cup vegetable oil and the olive oil over medium heat.

When onions start to brown, about 10 minutes, add green pepper and cook together for about 2 minutes.

Add onion-pepper combination and oil in which they were cooked to lentils.

Cook lentils about 40 minutes.

Season with salt; pepper, allspice, cumin and cinnamon.

Continue to cook, covered, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes.

Blend garlic with ¼ cup vegetable oil in a blender or with mortar and pestle until puréed and well blended.

When lentils are tender, add cilantro. Turn off heat.

Then add garlic-oil puree.

Stir well.

After a minute, add lemon juice.

Taste and correct seasonings if necessary.

Serve immediately.