Recipe - Green Pea Soup

1 Onion, chopped
2 tablespoon Oil
One half teaspoon Ginger, grated
One half teaspoon Garlic, minced
2 teaspoon Salt
6 Whole peppercorns, crushed
1 teaspoon Turmeric
2 teaspoon Coriander
2 teaspoon Cumin
2 Chili peppers, crushed
One half teaspoon Chili powder
4 Whole cloves
1 Stick cinnamon
2 Cardamom pods
1 cup Green split peas, dried
2 Tomatoes, minced
5 cup Stock
1 teaspoon Garam masala
2 Shallots, chopped, optional

In a large soup pot, fry the onions in the oil until light brown. Stir in
the spices & toss in the peas & tomatoes. Stir again & cook for 5 minutes
over moderate heat. Add stock, bring to a boil, cover & simmer until the
peas are tender (at least an hour). Before serving, stir in the garam
masala & fish out the cinnamon stick & cloves. Garnish with shallots.