Steps

1. *Prep Directions:
2. Cut meat into 1 inch cubes
3. Peel carrots and slice diagonally (exposes more surface area for cooking)
4. Dice one medium onion
5. Grate 2 tablespoons of ginger
6. Dice 4 chili peppers
7. Mince 5 cloves of garlic
8. Grate 2 teaspoons of fresh ground cinnamon (or buy pre ground)
9. Cut the lemon grass for the white part only, and bruise with a heavy object (a pestle will work)
10. Marinate beef with 2 tbps of sugar, 2 tbps of curry powder, 2 tbps of ginger, chili, garlic, 3 tbps of fish sauce, and 2 tsps of cinnamon for 30 minutes
11. *Prep Annatto Oil:
12. Get out a medium frying pan and fill with olive oil
13. Stir fry over medium heat 2 tablespoons of annatto seeds
14. Drain oil into a bow, discard the seeds
15. *Prep the stock:
16. Brown the beef in a wok
17. Add 4 cups of water
18. Add lemon grass
19. Add star anise in a tea strainer or cheese cloth
20. Add 6 tablespoons of tomato paste
21. Add annatto oil
22. Bring to a boil
23. Drop to a simmer
24. Transfer contents to a stock pot or slow cooker
25. Cook for 2-3 hours, until beef is tender (if using top round, check after 45 minutes)
26. *Serving:
27. Serve with bread or rice over basil
28. Prepare a dipping sauce of salt, pepper, and lime (optional)