Bangladeshi Chicken Korma

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 6-8 cardamom pods
• 3-4 cloves
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 Bay leaves
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1-2 teaspoons salt, or to taste (this will depend on the tartness of your yogurt)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder (optional -- don't use this if you want lighter color)
• 6 chicken thighs, cut into medium sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3-6 green chillies, whole
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste (also dependent on tartness of yogurt used)
• 2-3 teaspoons lime juice
• 2-3 tablespoons water, or as needed
• 1/8th teaspoon kewra water (optional)
• Raisins, small handful (optional)
• Fried onions, for garnish
• Slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)