1 - Chop the spice paste ingredients and then blend it in a food processor until fine.

2 - Heat the oil in a stew pot, add the spice paste, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom and stir-fry until aromatic.

3 - Add the beef and the pounded lemongrass and stir for 1 minute.

4 - Add the coconut milk, tamarind juice, water, and simmer on medium heat, stirring frequently until the meat is almost cooked.

5 - Add the kaffir lime leaves, kerisik (toasted coconut), sugar or palm sugar, stirring to blend well with the meat.