Rendang

Ingredients:

1 shallot, center removed
1 inch galangal, minced
2 cloves garlic
1 inch ginger
1 red chili pepper, seed removed

3 cloves
3 star anise
3 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemongrass, chopped
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3-4 kafir lime leaves
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon sugar
salt, to taste
1 tablespoon grated coconut
2 tablespoons tamarind
seitan or diced tofu

Combine spice ingredients in a blender, adding water as needed and puree until smooth. Set aside.

Cook remaining spices in a skillet until aromatic and add the liquid spice mix, lime leaves, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer and add the coconut, tamarind, and seitan or tofu. Simmer and serve with rice or noodles.