To Make the Nut Paste: Place 3 cups water in a saucepan over high heat. When water boils, add cashew nuts. Turn off the heat. Cover the pan with a lad. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Drain and place cashew nuts in a food processor. Add a little water to make a smooth nut paste. Set aside.

To Make Chickpea Korma: Heat ghee or oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add cardamom pods, cloves and dried bay leaves, and fry, stirring often. Add onions, and sauté, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Add ginger and garlic, and fry, stirring, for 1-2 minutes.

Add ground coriander, garam masala and chili powder, and sauté, stirring constantly, until aromatic. Stir the nut paste into the spice mixture. Add ½ cup water to make a thick sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the oil separates.

Drain and rinse chickpeas, and add to the curry. Stir in chopped coriander, salt, and 1 ½ cups water to make thick sauce. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add coconut milk and heat through. Garnish with more coriander leaves.