Cut the onions as juliennes.
Grind the coconut and garlic into a fine powder. Since the coconut is dried, you will get a powder when you grind.
Slice onions as juliennes and put it in water as you slice. This is just to wash and make it get cooked faster.
Heat a nonstick pan with cooking oil, add cumin seeds, then add sliced onions. Saute the onions. After sautéing it for 5 mins, add the slit green chilies, turmeric powder and salt.
After 5 mins, add the tomatoes, coriander powder. Then, add the coconut garlic powder. Saute well and add water as required.
Bring to boil and simmer till everything is cooked. This takes about 7 - 10 mins.
Switch off when the gravy thickens.
Serve with Chapatis.