posted by Toni 07-14-98 8:11 AM
2 stalks fresh lemon grass, minced
2 pound beef (marbled chuck roast is great) in 2-" cubes
2 fresh chile peppers, seeded and minced
2 tsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. fresh grated ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon (do nOT omit)
2 tsp. curry powder
3 Tbsp. nuoc mam (vietnamese fish sauce, filipinos call their version patis)
black pepper to taste
1 tsp. salt
Combine, mix, and let stand for 1/2 hour. In a large, heavy pot on high heat place 2 Tbsp. oil, then add beef mixture, stir while quickly searing meat, about 2 minutes. Remove to a bowl.
Add to the same pot:
1 Tbsp. oil-when hot, add the rest:
1 large onion, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
stir fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add:
1/4 cup tomato paste-fry 2 minutes
Add:
beef mixture
4 star anise
1 tsp. salt
4 cups water
Cover and simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours, until beef is tender.
Add and then simmer for 10 minutes,
2 peeled medium carrots, in 1" chunks.
Add and then simmer for 10 minutes longer,
2 peeled medium potatoes, in 1" chunks.
Add and then simmer for 10 minutes more,
1 small peeled daikon or 2 turnips, chunked.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with bread.