Spicy East African Pea Soup with Sweet Potato and Habanero

East African Pea Soup 🌍

Total Time: 45 minutes | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes 🍲

Description: Dive into a rich and flavorful bowl of East African Pea Soup, a gem from the “Sundays at Moosewood” cookbook. This delightful soup features the fiery kick of habanero peppers (or cayenne for a milder version), complemented by the sweet earthiness of sweet potatoes and the hearty goodness of green peas. Whether you’re growing your own peppers or picking up a substitute, this recipe brings the vibrant tastes of East Africa right to your table. 🌶️🥔

Ingredients:

• 2 onions, finely chopped 🧅
• 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 habanero pepper, finely chopped (or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne) 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 🍅
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 🥔
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup frozen green peas 🌿
• Additional 1 cup water for blending

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a covered pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are just translucent. 🧅✨

2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. 🧄

3. Spice It Up: Mix in the freshly grated ginger, salt, and all the spices—ground black pepper, habanero pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cardamom, ground clove, and turmeric. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often to let the spices bloom. 🌶️✨

4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Sweet Potato: Add the chopped tomatoes and diced sweet potato to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. 🍅🥔

5. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and stir. Bring the soup to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. 🥄

6. Cook Peas: Add half of the frozen green peas and continue to simmer, covered, for another 10 minutes, or until the peas and sweet potato are tender. 🌿

7. Blend and Reheat: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 cups of water. Purée the soup in batches using a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. 🍲✨

8. Final Touches: Return the puréed soup to the pot, add the remaining peas, and gently reheat. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed. 🌟

Serving Suggestion: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt if desired. Enjoy a bowlful of this nourishing East African Pea Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. 🌿🍞

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 133.8
• Fat: 2.9g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 492.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 23.1g
• Fiber: 5.5g
• Sugar: 8.8g
• Protein: 5.4g

This soup is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory, offering a unique taste experience that’s both comforting and invigorating. Enjoy this vibrant dish that celebrates the essence of East African cuisine right in your own kitchen! 🌍🍲