Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan, add the bay leaves and cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add the chopped onions and cook over a fairly high heat for 10-12 minutes until light golden brown.
Now add the carrots and potatoes and stir for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the puréed tomatoes, green chillies, ginger, spices, and salt and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture at the sides of the pan. Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, then add the peas and cook for a further 3 minutes.
Pour in 450ml of water and cook until the vegetables are tender but still retain a little bite. Add the black cardamom seeds and check the seasoning, then stir in the lemon juice and garam masala and sprinkle with the chopped herbs. Cover and leave for 3-4 minutes, then serve hot with poories or any flatbread of your choice.