Syrian Noodles With Lentils

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 teaspoons roasted cumin seeds, ground
• 1 teaspoon roasted coriander, ground
• 2 small cayenne bell peppers
• 2 cups lentils, washed
• 1 bay leaf
• 7 cups water (or vegetable broth)
• salt & pepper
• 4 ounces broken vermicelli

Recipe

• 1 heat oil in a large casserole. saute onion & garlic until the onion is tender. add cumin & coriander. saute for another minute over medium heat.
• 2 add cayenne pepper, lentils, bay leaf & water. bring to a boil. add salt & pepper to taste, cover, reduce heat & simmer for 45 minutes.
• 3 simmer only until the lentils are just tender. adjust seasonings.
• 4 just before serving, bring back to a simmer & add the noodles. cook until al dente, about 4 to 10 minutes. serve at once in bowls.
• 5 in place of vermicelli, use wholewheat spaghetti noodles or macaroni.