1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
1/4 cup ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
6 green chile peppers, mashed into a paste
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 cup shredded coconut
salt to taste
1 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)