THIT BO KHO {SPICY VIETNAMESE BEEF STEW} WITH FRENCH BAGUETTE – Sometimes Good Wife

Ingredients

• 1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 2" chunks
• tt kosher salt
• tt freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon annatto seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 each large yellow onion, cut into 2" chunks
• 1 inch knob fresh ginger, cut in half
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 each star anise
• 1 each bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon Vietnamese Indian Madras curry powder
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
• 4 cups water
• 2 each large carrots, cut into 2" chunks
• 1 each large yukon potato, cut into 2" chunks [optional]