Beef Semur

Ingredients ( serve 6-8)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large onions, quartered
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 kg beef flank, cut into chunks
4 tbsp black soya sauce
1 tsp salt
Dash of black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp white vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
4 star anise
10 cloves
4 cardamom pods
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tomatoes quatered

Directions
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over a medium flame. Add the onions and garlic and fry until lightly browned and fragrant.
2. Bring to high heat, brown the beef on all sides and add the black soya sauce, salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar.
3. Add the spices and mix well. Add enough water to cover the meat, then bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to low heat and simmer for one hour. Add the carrots and potatoes and simmer for another hour.
5. Add the tomatoes and cook till soft, about 7 min. Remove from heat, leave to cool and freeze.
6. Reheat, then serve with rice and sambal belachan.

Tip: If your gravy is too thin, stir in a paste of one tsp of cornflour and one teaspoon of water until it thickens. Do this just before serving.