*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                    Mediterranean Kitchen Lentil Soup

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Soups

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   5      cups          Lentils
   3      quarts        Water
   1 1/2  large         Onions -- coarsely chopped
     1/2  cup           Vegetable oil -- divided
     1/2  cup           Olive oil
   1                    Green bell pepper, seeded -- membranes removed, c
					
   1      teaspoon      Salt or to taste
     1/4  teaspoon      Coarsely ground black pepper
   1      teaspoon      Ground allspice
   1      teaspoon      Cumin
     3/4  teaspoon      Ground cinnamon
   6                    Cloves garlic -- peeled and
                        chopped
   1      cup           Chopped fresh cilantro
     1/2  cup           Lemon juice

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

 2.   Meanwhile, in small frying pan cook onions in 1/4 cup vegetable oil and the olive oil over medium heat.

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

 4.   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.

 5.   Blend garlic with 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a blender or with mortar and pestle until pureed and well blended.

 6.   When lentils are tender, add cilantro.  Turn off heat. Then add garlic-oil puree.  Stir well.

 7.   After a minute, add lemon juice.  Taste and correct seasonings if necessary.  
Serve immediately.

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