Beef Massaman Curry

For the beef: 2 kg beef short rib, cut into 4cm cubes

For the beef: 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the beef: 3 cups water

For the beef: 2 cups coconut milk

For the beef: 2 bay leaves

For the curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the curry: 2 cups coconut milk

For the curry: 2 cinnamon quills

For the curry: 2 star anise

For the curry: 2 teaspoon tamarind paste

For the curry: 2 tbsp fish sauce

For the curry: 2 tbsp white sugar

For the curry: 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

For the curry paste: 6 shallots

For the curry paste: 5 cloves garlic

For the curry paste: 2 lemongrass stalks (white part only, tops reserved)

For the curry paste: 6 dried red chillies, seeds removed

For the curry paste: 3 cm galangal, sliced

For the curry paste: 1 tbsp shrimp paste

For the curry paste: water as required

For the ground spice mix: 1 teaspoon ground cloves

For the ground spice mix: 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the ground spice mix: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the ground spice mix: 1 teaspoon ground cumin

For the ground spice mix: 1 teaspoon ground coriander

For the ground spice mix: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For garnish: 3 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

For garnish: finely sliced red chilli

For garnish: crispy fried shallots