Cut beef into 1 inch cubes. Heat oil in a large heavy saucepan, add beef and cook until browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add onion, cloves and cardamom to pan; cook, stirring about 8 minutes, until onion is soft and golden brown. Stir in chilies, gingerroot, garlic, coriander and turmeric; cook 2 minutes. Return beef to pan, add water and cover. Simmer 1 hour. Stir in tamarind nectar and salt; simmer another 20 to 30 minutes, until beef is tender. Serve, garnished with lettuce leaves.

in 1 cup boiling water about 20 minutes, then squeeze in cheesecloth to extract liquid, discard pulp. Store in refrigerator up to 1 week. Tamarind nectar is also available commercially. Tamarind paste can be found in oriental grocery stores and some health food stores.