Heat oil in a kadai and saute together shallots, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, garlic, ginger, chana dal, red chilli and almonds. Saute in simmer until well cooked and raw smell is off. Add roughly chopped tomatoes to it and saute until mushy. Let it cool and grind to a smooth paste.