INGREDIENTS

5 tablespoons vegetable oil
7 black peppercorns, left whole
3 black cardamom pods, left whole*
5 green cardamom pods, left whole*
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 piece mace
1 onion, finely chopped
1 (1 1/2-pound) leg of lamb or mutton, bone intact, cut into pieces
6 garlic cloves, peeled, left whole
1 (3/4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut in half
Water, as needed
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red chile powder
2 teaspoons ground fennel seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
2 tomatoes, blended to a pulp in a food processor
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
Kosher salt
Boiling water, as needed
Handful chopped fresh cilantro, leaves and stems
*Can be found at specialty Asian markets.