Beef peratal: A celebratory curry

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp black peppercorns (or more to taste)
• 2 tbsp cumin seeds (or more to taste)
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 200g dried chillies
• 2″ ginger, peeled
• 2 bulbs garlic, peeled
• 3 large red onions, peeled
• 500g beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp fennel powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 pandan leaves
• 2 large slices ginger
• 4 potatoes, scrubbed and cut into cubes (no need to peel)
• 200ml coconut oil
• 1 large red onion, peeled and diced
• 1 large stalk curry leaves (use the leaves only)
• 1 large stick cinnamon
• 3 star anise
• 8 cloves
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• ½ tsp MSG
• 400ml coconut milk