In the same kadhai or cooking pot add oil if needed.
When the oil is hot, add the bay leaf (tear it from the middle), cumin seeds, dried red chilis (break them from the middle), and cloves.
Stir them until fragrant and then add the sliced onions. Keep the flame on low to medium.
Fry the onions until tender.
Next, add the tomato puree.
Stir everything consistently and let the masala cook.
In the meantime, take a small bowl and add cumin powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and 1 tsp Turmeric powder.
Add 2-3 tbsp of water and mix them into a paste.
Add this to the masala.
Stir everything again and let the masala cook until out separates out.
Now, add 1 ½ cups of water and let this come to a simmer.