Yellow Pea and Coconut Milk Soup

After you’ve soaked the yellow peas, drain them and place them in a pot with 2 quarts water, the bay leaves, cloves, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover partially, and begin to cook.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. And then add the onion and cilantro stems. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens, about 10 minutes. Add the spices and 1/2 cup water from the simmering peas, and cook until the water has cooked away. Add the onion to the simmering peas and continue cooking until both are very soft, about an hour in all. Remove the bay leaves and cloves and then purée. Return the soup to the stove and stir in the coconut milk. Add the lime juice, then taste for salt and season with pepper. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

Bring 1 cup water to a boil and then add 1/4 teaspoon salt and the rice. Give it a stir, lower the heat, and cover the pan. Cook until the rice has absorbed the water and is done, about 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the spices with the yogurt. In a separate skillet over medium heat, wilt the spinach in the water clinging to its leaves and then chop it coarsely.