Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables

Fall has arrived and here is a dish that will warm you up and leave you satisfied!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs beef, cubed

2 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic
3 cups water
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 star anise pods
1 large carrot, cut into chunks
2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
2 cups daikon radish, peeled and cut into chunks

Marinade:
2 stalks lemongress, thick bottom part only, outer laters discarded, inner part minced
1 finger-length red chili, deseeded and diced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Make the marinade first by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl and mixing well. Place the beef cubes in the marinade and mix until well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large saucepan over high heat and stir fry the onion and garlic until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the marinated beef and the marinade and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until the beef is browned on all sides. Add the water, tomato paste and star anise, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour. Add the vegetables and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked. Remove from the heat, transfer to a serving bowl and serve with steamed rice.