Thoroughly clean the chicken pieces, then marinate with yogurt and salt for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, prepare the spices. Chop the garlic and ginger, then add black pepper to this mixture. Set aside in a small bowl.

Near the end of the hour of marinating, melt the shortening in a coverable skillet (woks will do). Chop the onion and brown in the skillet for about 10 minutes.

After the onions are ready, add the garlic/ginger/pepper mixture. Let simmer for approximately 5 minutes, then add the chicken. Let the chicken simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked.

Add the cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric and bay leaves. Leave them whole. Simmer for 5 minutes. Finally, add the tomato puree and water to the mixture and cook until the mixture has thickened. Serve with rice and chapati.

* A simple chicken curry.