Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      15 oz. can    chick peas -- (also called
                        -- garbanzo beans)
                        (progresso is a good brand.)
   1      large         onion chopped finely
   2      medium        sized potatoes -- (optional)
   1      teaspoon      mustard seeds
   2      pods          cardamom (remove seeds and discard hulls) -- (2 to 3)
   1      teaspoon      coriander
   1      teaspoon      cumin seeds
   1      tablespoon    garam masala
                        vegetable oil
   3                    bay leaves
   4      whole         cloves

Preparation:

If you are using the potatoes, start boiling them in a saucepan. Let them boil for at least 15 minutes. After they are done, turn off the heat and let them stand in the water. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a wide skillet until it is very hot. Add the mustard seeds and wait until they start popping. Add bay leaves, cardamom and cloves. Mix around for a while and then add onions. Waituntill the onion starts to turn golden before adding the rest of the spices (except for the Garam Masala). Add chick-peas with all the liquid. Cut up the potatoes into bite sized pieces and add to the skillet. Add Garam Masala. Continue stirring the chick-peas under medium heat for 5-7 minutes without covering. Check the tenderness of the potatoes. If they are still too hard, add another 1/4 cup of water and cook for another couple of minutes. Salt to taste and serve.