Shurbah I

Ingredients

 * 1 cup of finely chopped onion
 * 1 cup of finely chopped tomato
 * 2 tablespoons of butter
 * ½ cup of regular oatmeal
 * 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
 * ½ teaspoon black pepper
 * 1 tablespoon thyme leaves ("zatar" flakes or oregano leaves)
 * 2 Maggi bouillon cubes (chicken, beef or vegetable flavor)

Directions

 * 1) In a saucepan, saute the onions in the butter until they are translucent.
 * 2) Add the chopped tomatoes, and saute until the tomatoes are tender.
 * 3) In a bowl on the side, mix the oatmeal with one cup of cool water.
 * 4) Add this mixture to the saucepan.
 * 5) Add another 4 cups of water and all of the remaining ingredients.
 * 6) Bring to a boil.
 * 7) Reduce heat and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes, or until the oatmeal is well cooked and the onion is soft.