3 plump red chillies, roughly chopped without deseeding
toasted coconut flakes, to serve (optional)
1 tbsp ground coriander
75g/2陆oz chunk galangal, peeled and roughly chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled
25g/1oz fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
2 lemongrass stalks, dry outer leaves removed, roughly chopped
3 medium-sized red onions, quartered
400ml/14fl oz can coconut milk
2 tsp tamarind paste or freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime
ground black pepper
1 tbsp soft light brown sugar or palm sugar
1 cinnamon stick
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra to season
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
3 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp ground turmeric
1.5kg/3lb 5oz beef chuck steak (or any good braising beef), trimmed and cut into 3cm/1录in cubes
4 fresh makrut lime leaves