-
Cut mutton
into small cubes.
-
Brown the
coconut in a dry frying pan, stirring constantly over medium low heat
for 4 or 5 minutes or until it is a rich golden brown color. Set aside.
-
Pour quarter
cup very hot water over a walnut-size piece of dried tamarind pulp and
leave for 5 minutes.
-
Squeeze the
tamarind in the water to dissolve.
-
Strain
through a fine sieve.
-
In container
of electric blender put the tamarind liquid and onions and blend to a
smooth, thick liquid.
-
Add garlic
and ginger and blend again.
-
Add the
spices, candlenuts, dried chilies and last of all, the toasted coconut.
-
Blend until
smooth and well combined.
-
If lemon rind
is being used it can be blended too, but if lemon grass is available,
add it later on.
-
Heat the oil
in a large saucepan and fry the blended mixture for 5 minutes, stirring
frequently at the beginning and constantly at the end.
-
Add meat and
fry for 3 minutes, stirring well so that each piece is coated with
spices.
-
Add tomato
and fry for a further 3 minutes.
-
Add coconut
milk, salt and lemon grass and bring slowly to the boil.
-
Reduce heat
to very low and simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender, stirring now
and then.
-
This may take
from 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
-
Serve with
steamed white rice.