Dry roast the cardamom seed, cloves and cinnamon bark over medium low heat until things start to smell good. Probably around 1 minute. Remove from heat. Set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan with a cover that is large enough to hold all the ingredients. Fry the massaman curry paste, stirring constantly, until it combines with the oil. This takes 1-2 minutes.
Add the beef and fry until no red is showing on the beef, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the dry roasted spices, coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste and peanuts.
Add enough water to just cover the beef. Odds are you won't need any at all.
Simmer for about an hour.
Add the potatoes and simmer until the beef and potatoes are tender. This takes about another hour.
Garnish with peanuts and red chili slices (optional). Offer lime wedges for those that want a bit more zing. Serve with jasmine rice.
