Step #1 In a large, heavy skillet with a cover, heat the oil until it is fragrant.
Step #2 Add the onion & saute over high heat, stirring frequently, until it starts to brown a little, about 4 mins.
Step #3 Lower the heat & continue cooking, stirring often, until the onion turns golden brown, about 10 mins more.
Step #4 Add the garlic, garam masala and cayenne, lower the heat to medium-high, & saute for another 2 mins.
Step #5 stir in the the ground spices & saute another 2 mins, stirring.
Step #6 Add the meat, stir well, & brown it in the spices for about 5 mins.
Step #7 Add the tomato paste mixture & cardamom seeds and stir well.
Step #8 Lower heat, cover pan tightly, & let simmer about 30 mins, stirring every once in awhile & adding more water by tsp if sauce starts to stick to the pan.
Step #9 Uncover the pan & stir in the the lemon juice & salt.
Step #10 Simmer uncovered about 10 mins longer, stirring frequently, until the meat is tender & the sauce is very thick.