Mediterranean Lentil Soup

5    cups lentils, sorted, washed

3    quarts water

1½ large onions, chopped

2    tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1    green bell pepper, chopped

1    teaspoon Celtic salt

¼   teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1    teaspoon cumin

1    cup fresh cilantro, chopped

5    garlic cloves, minced

½   cup fresh lime juice

Combine the lentils and water in a kettle over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer while preparing other ingredients. Sauté the onions in half of the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Add the bell pepper and sauté for a minute or two longer. Add the onion mixture to the lentils. Simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Simmer for 20 minutes longer. Stir in the cilantro; remove kettle from heat.

Combine the garlic, lime juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a food processor or blender and blend well. Add garlic mixture and lime juice to the lentil mixture. Mix well and serve.

Yield: 6 servings