For preparing Chicken Gravy, first clean and wash the chicken pieces nicely. Chop to medium sized pieces.
Mix with turmeric powder and lime juice and keep aside.
:- This is to remove the raw smell of chicken.
Heat about 2 tbsp oil.
Add cloves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom.
:- You don't need to add too much of these coz you don't want the garam masala smell to dominate the dish.
When you get a nice fragrance, add the thinly sliced onions, slit green chillies and curry leaves.
Once the onions start turning a little brown, add the coarsely ground paste, salt and turmeric.
Stir fry until you get a nice smell making sure the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes get pulpy.
Add the chicken pieces and pour enough water to cover the chicken pieces.
Simmer covered until the chicken is cooked.
Check for spice and salt and add a little sugar.
:- Adding a little sugar enhances the taste of the dish.
When the gravy becomes thick, check for salt and spice again. If its too spicy add a little more salt.
Add the chopped coriander and remove from fire.
:- Serve with plain rice, idli, dosa or chappathis. If serving with rice, pappad would be the best side dish.