1
["Heat oil in 8"" skillet over medium heat. Add dates and saute until opaque on each side and skin starts to curl. Be careful not to burn.", "Turn off heat, add chile, cumin, cardamom pods and a pinch of salt. Fold mixture together in pan using a heat proof spatula.", "Remove pan from heat and let mixture cool completely.", "Use a mortar and pestle to mash garlic, cilantro roots/stems and a pinch of salt into a uniform paste. Add paste to a medium sized bowl, scraping with a small spatula to get it all out.", "Add the next five ingredients (tamari through sesame oil) to bowl and stir mixture.", "Carefully slice cooled dates in half lengthwise and then crosswise into thirds. Add dates to bowl, making sure to get all the oil and spices from the skillet.", "Add cubed beef, and using spatula or clean hands, incorporate ingredients together to coat meat. Cover bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.", "Heat oven to 325 F", "Heat oil in a Dutch oven or similarly heavy large pot over medium heat. Using tongs, cook the beef cubes in batches (leaving dates in bowl - avoid adding to pot at this point); do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the beef to brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch, and remove to a plate when browned.", "When all beef is browned on out of the pot, add a splash of wine (about 1/4 cup) to deglaze and with a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits.", "Add onions to pot with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes.", "Add browned meat, remaining marinade from bowl (including dates) and wine. Liquid should just cover meat and onions. Bring to a simmer, cover and place pot in oven. Braise for 2 hours, checking at the 1 hour mark and again at 1 1/2 hour mark to make sure there is enough liquid. Add water as necessary to keep meat just covered.", "Remove pot from oven and uncover to let stew cool before refrigerating in pot overnight.", "To finish stew, take pot out of refrigerator and remove as much of the congealed fat layer from the surface of stew as desired. Depending on the cut of beef, the amount of congealed fat will vary.", "Heat stew over medium-low heat, adding potatoes and turnips/radishes.", "Cover and bring to a simmer. Allow stew to slowly bubble for another 45 minutes, until potatoes and turnips/radishes are tender.", "Serve stew in bowls with or without rice. Top with sliced scallions and lemon zest. Enjoy!"]
