In a small bowl mix all ground spices with a little water and set aside.
Put the oil in a pan on medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot add the whole spices: cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaf.
Then add the chopped onion and fry until golden brown.
Add the spice mixture that we have prepared before and fry until the oil separates.
Add chopped tomatoes and sauté for few minutes.
Add the chicken pieces and salt. Mix everything well and let it cook. Don’t forget to stir time to time until the chicken releases all the water.
When the water has evaporated, lower the flame and sauté everything until the pieces become brown and the oil has separated.
Add water until cover the chicken pieces. Rectify the salt and put the flame on medium to high.
Let the whole thing cook for about 30 minutes or the chicken pieces are tender and juicy.
Sprinkle a little bit garam masala on top and serve it with hot basmati rice.