Rendang Daging (Spicy Beef/Chicken Stew with Coconut)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound boneless beef short ribs - cut into cubes
• 5 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 in long)
• 3 cloves
• 3 star anise
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1 stalk lemongrass -cut into 4-inch length and pounded
• 1 c thick coconut milk
• 1 c water
• 2 tsp tamarind pulp - soaked in warm water for the juice and discard the seeds
• 6 kaffir lime leaves - very finely sliced
• 6 Tbsp kerisik (toasted coconut)
• 1 Tbsp sugar or palm sugar to taste
• Spice paste (recipe below)