Classic Egyptian Lentils

Ingredients

• 500 gram black lentils (2.5 cups or 1 pack) - عدس بجبة
• 1 large onion (cut into 8 chunks) - بصلة
• salt and pepper - ملح و فلفل
• 2 piece garlic clove (minced) - فص ثوم
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin - كمون
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander - كسبرة ناشفة
• 4 tablespoon olive oil - زيت زيتون
• 1 large tomato (diced - optional) - طماطم
• 1 handful parsley (chopped - optional) - بقدونس

Step by step

1. Wash the lentils and drain. Transfer them into a medium pot, add the chunky onion pieces and cover with fresh water and a generous dash of salt and pepper.
2. Put the pot on medium heat until water starts to boil then lower heat and cover and let it simmer from 30 to 40 minutes or until tender. You may want to add more water if you feel its drying out before getting cooked.
3. Once the lentils are cooked, take away the onions and stir in the garlic, cumin and coriander and let it simmer for another 3 minutes.
4. Before serving, drizzle with olive oil and add the parsley and tomatoes as garnish.