Cook 1 large onion, minced in oil and a generous pinch of salt on medium-high heat until brown.
Mix ground spices: 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1tsp turmeric, 0.25tsp ground cloves
Clear space in the center of the skillet and bloom a bit over half your spices quickly before mixing it in with the onions.
Add 2 large potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks and a cup or so of water, along with 1 cinnamon stick, 5 cardamom pods and chili flakes to taste.
Cover with a lid and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes. If the water isn't mostly gone in 20 minutes, uncover and let it boil off.