Spiced Beef Satés

I was lucky enough to find a packet of thin sirloin steaks in Tesco, which were perfect for this dish. You need a reasonably good cut of meat, but it doesn't matter if you cook it in strips as I did, or cubes. If you haven't got tamarind powder, you can use lemon juice instead.

Serves 3

550g sirloin

1 tsp coriander seeds

1 tso cumin seeds

1 tsp tamarind powder

1 small onion

2 garlic cloves

1 tbsp sweetener

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

If you are using the thin slices, cut the beef in one inch width and the length of the steaks. You basically want long, thin strips of meat to thread on to skewers. Alternatively, cut the meat in 1 inch³ cubes.

Dry fry the spices until they are fragrant and beginning to brown, then grind them to a course powder. Put the onion, tamarind powder, sweetener, soy sauce a 3 tablespoons of water in a food processor and blend well. Mix with the spices and place in a bowl with the beef. Toss well together and leave for at least an hour to marinade.

Thread the meat strips on skewers in a concertina fashion and grill until cooked through, basting with the marinade as it cooks.

Indonesian satés are usually served with a peanut sauce, but I served mine with Sambal Kecap (spicy onion dip), Sambal Kol Kembang (spiced cauliflower), lettuce and potatoes (as my dad doesn't like rice).