Mediterranean Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups lentils (washed and sorted)
6 cups water
1 large onion
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (to be split in the recipe)
1 bell pepper (color is your choice)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 1/2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Preparation

Combine the lentils and water in a pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer while preparing other ingredients.
Saute the onions in half of the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
Add the bell pepper and saute for a minute or two longer.
Add the onion mixture to the lentils. Simmer 15 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Simmer for 15-20 minutes longer.
Stir in the cilantro; remove dish from heat.
Combine the garlic, lime juice and the remaining 1/2 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.