Savory Lentils From Panama - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils
1 teaspoon butter or 1 teaspoon oil
4 cups water
1 red peppers or 1 green pepper, diced (I do a combo)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic or 3/4 tablespoon minced garlic
2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
salt & pepper

Preparation

Wash lentils thoroughly.
Put them in saucepan and cover with water, add butter or oil.
Cover and bring to a natural simmer over low heat.
*Note-this takes a little while but prevents lentils from breaking.
Once at a low boil, you may need to tilt the lid slightly to release steam and prevent overboil.
Add onions, peppers, and garlic and continue to simmer for about 45 mins or until lentils are soft.
Drain lentils in a strainer with a measuring cup beneath to catch the excess liquid.
Pour off all but 1 cup of the liquid (keeping the last cup gives the best texture) and return to the pan with boullion cubes, until dissolved.
Return lentils to pan and cook 15 mins more, adding salt& pepper.