1. Bring lentils and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, while preparing the vegetables.

2. Meanwhile, in small frying pan cook onions in 1/4 cup vegetable oil and the olive oil over medium heat.

3. When onions start to brown, about 10 minutes, add green pepper and cook together for about 2 minutes.

4. Add onion-pepper combination and oil in which they were cooked to lentils. cook lentils about 40 minutes. Season with salt; pepper, allspice, cumin and cinnamon. Continue to cook, covered, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes.

5. Blend garlic with 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a blender or with mortar and pestle until pureed and well blended.

6. When lentils are tender, add cilantro. Turn off heat. Then add garlic-oil puree. Stir well.

7. After a minute, add lemon juice. Taste and correct seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately.