Punjabi-Style Chole Chickpea Curry

Name: Punjabi-Style Chole Chickpea Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 large onions (sliced thin, divided ); 2 large tomatoes (chopped); 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 2 tablespoons garlic paste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola or sunflower cooking oil); 2 bay leaves; 5 to 6 cloves; 3 to 4 green cardamoms; 5 to 6 peppercorns; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 2 teaspoons coriander powder; 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 2 (15 1/2 ounces) cans of chickpeas; Kosher salt (to taste); Water (enough to make a gravy); Garnish: 1 inch piece of ginger (julienned); Garnish: 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (fresh, chopped fine)