Chadian Pea Soup

Ingredients

 * 2 	 cups chopped   onions
 * 1 	teaspoon minced garlic
 * 1 	tablespoon vegetable oil
 * 1/2 	teaspoon grated fresh ginger
 * 1 	teaspoon salt
 * 1/2 	teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1 	small habanero pepper, finely chopped
 * 1 	teaspoon ground coriander
 * 1 	teaspoon ground cumin
 * 1/4 	teaspoon ground cardamom
 * 1 	dash cloves (no more than 1/8 tsp)
 * 1/4 	teaspoon turmeric
 * 2 	tomatoes, chopped
 * 1 	sweet potato, diced (about 2 cups)
 * 3 1/2 	cups water
 * 1 	lb frozen green peas, thawed

Directions

 * 1) Sauté the onions gently in oil in a covered pot, stirring frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until the onions are just translucent.
 * 2) Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
 * 3) Mix in the ginger, salt and all the spices and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring often.
 * 4) Add the tomatoes and sweet potato.
 * 5) Stir well.
 * 6) Add 1 1/2 cups water and stir.
 * 7) Bring the soup to a boil.
 * 8) Reduce the heat and simmer, covered for 5 minutes.
 * 9) Add half of the peas and simmer, covered, for another 10 minutes, or until the peas and sweet potato are tender.
 * 10) Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 cups of water.
 * 11) Purée the soup in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth.
 * 12) Return soup to the pot, add the remaining peas and gently reheat.