SHAHI KORMA

Steps:

• Put the garlic, ginger, almonds and 6 tablespoons water into the container of an electric blender. Blend until you have a paste. Put the oil in a wide, heavy, preferably non-stick pan and set over medium-high heat. When hot, put in just enough meat pieces so they lie, uncrowded, in a single layer. Brown the meat pieces on all sides, then remove them with a slotted spoon and put them in a bowl. Brown all the meat this way. Put the cardamon, cloves and cinnamon into the hot oil. Within seconds the cloves will expand. Now put in the onions. Stir and fry the onions until they turn a brownish color. Turn the heat down to medium. Put in the paste from the blender as well as the coriander, cumin and cayenne. Stir and fry this mixture for 3 - 4 minutes or until it too has browned somewhat. Now put in the meat cubes as well as any liquid that might have accumulated in the meat bowl, the salt, the cream and 4 fl oz water. If you are cooking beef, add another 4 fl oz water. Bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer lamb for 1 hour and beef for 2 hours or until the meat is tender. Stir frequently during this cooking period. Skim off any fat that floats to the top. Sprinkle in the garam masala and mix. Note: the whole spices in the dish are not meant to be eaten.