Syrian Noodles With Lentils - cooking recipe

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

Preparation

Heat oil in a large casserole. Saute onion & garlic until the onion is tender. Add cumin & coriander. Saute for another minute over medium heat.
Add cayenne pepper, lentils, bay leaf & water. Bring to a boil. Add salt & pepper to taste, cover, reduce heat & simmer for 45 minutes.
Simmer only until the lentils are just tender. Adjust seasonings.
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.
In place of vermicelli, use wholewheat spaghetti noodles or macaroni.