- 
        Cut chicken
        into bite-sized pieces. 
- 
        Peel and
        roughly chop onions and put into blender container with garlic, ginger
        and sliced lemon grass. 
- 
        Add a little
        oil to facilitate blending and blend ingredients to a smooth pulp. 
- 
        Heat remaining
        oil in a saucepan and when very hot, add blended ingredients, salt,
        turmeric and chili powder (if used). 
- 
        Fry over medium
        heat, stirring well with a wooden spoon. 
- 
        Add a few drops
        of water if mixture starts to stick to base of pan. 
- 
        Simmer on low
        heat until the moisture content f the onions has evaporated and the
        ingredients turn a rich red-brown color. 
- 
        At this stage
        they will begin to stick to the pan and so keep stirring. 
- 
        Add the chicken
        pieces, turning them well in the mixture so that they are coated evenly. 
- 
        Cover and
        simmer for 35 to 45 minutes or until chicken is tender. 
- 
        The juices from
        the chicken will provide sufficient liquid for this curry, so do not add
        water or other liquid. 
- 
        As the cooking
        is nearing completion, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 
- 
        Add cardamom
        and coriander leaves, stir quickly and replace lid for a few seconds to
        hold in the aroma. 
- 
        Serve with
        white rice.