Heat a pan with oil. Add cumin seeds, pepper, fennel seeds, ginger, garlic and few curry leaves. Sauté for few mins.

Add onion and sauté until it becomes soft. Add tomatoes and sauté until it becomes soft. Add cashews, grated coconut and mint leaves. Switch off the flame. Cool it and grind it into smooth paste.

In a pan add all whole spices and let it splutter. Add onion, curry leaves and sauté well. Add 1 small tomato and sauté well. Add some vegetables or chicken and sauté until it gets cooked. Add ground paste, spice powders and salt. Add enough water and cook until done.