Burmese Dry Chicken Curry

2 onions -- rough chopped

5 cloves garlic -- rough chopped

1/2 inch piece fresh root ginger -- peeled and chopped

2 sticks lemon grass -- roughly chopped

2 red chilies seeded and chopped

--habaneros or Thai chilies

1 tablespoon fish sauce -- (nam pla)

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

4 tablespoons Veg. oil

3 pounds chicken, cut into 8 curry pieces

4 green (or two black) cardamom pods

2 tablespoons rough chopped coriander/cilantro leaf

Salt and fresh ground black pepper