Malaysian Beef Rendang

INGREDIENTS

• 3/8 pound shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 15 dried red chile peppers
• 5 slices fresh ginger root
• 5 lemon grass, chopped
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 pinch grated nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 2/3 cups coconut milk
• 7/8 cup water
• salt to taste