In a bowl, mix together the onion paste, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander-cumin powder and red chili powder. Keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan and temper with bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, mace and cumin seeds. Saute for a few seconds.
Then add the chopped onion and saute till they turn light brown.
Now add the spice paste and fry on a medium flame till the oil separates.
Add the chopped lauki & salt. Mix well & cook, covered for 2 minutes.
Add 1 cup water & simmer till the veggie turns soft & the gravy reduces.
Add the cashew paste, yoghurt and cubed onions. Simmer further for a minute.
When done, add the garam masala, green chilies, ghee, coriander leaves and fried onions.
Serve as a side dish with either rice or chapattis.
