In a large bowl, add the chicken thigh, sliced onion, minced garlic & ginger & 1 tsp (10ml) of coconut oil, mix to combine. Cover & marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
Heat 2 Tbsp (50g) of coconut oil in a large high rimmed pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add in the chicken thigh, leaving the remaining ingredients in the marinating bowl & sear for 3 minutes on both sides until golden. Remove & place on a plate to rest for the time being. Do it in batches if need be.
In the same pan or pot, add the remaining marinating ingredients as well as the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cloves, smoked paprika, turmeric & cardamom pods. Saute for 3 minutes, mixing regularly.
Add in the coconut milk, chicken stock & desiccated coconut (optional), mix to combine & bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add in the seared chicken along with any resting juices & mix to combine. Reduce heat to low & simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 25 minutes, check the curry for seasoning, adjusting if necessary, mix to combine & remove from the heat. Serve the curry with rice (below) & garnish with cashew nuts, spring onion (scallion), coriander (cilantro) & chilli. Dig in.