Combine the
chili peppers, onion, ground turmeric, ground coriander, cashew nuts,
ground ginger, garlic and black peppercorns in a blender or food
processor. Add a little water (use as little water as possible) and
blend to a paste. Set aside. Heat the peanut oil in a large pan over a
medium heat. Add the bay leaves, lemon grass and paste. Sauté for 4-5
minutes. Add the duck and shrimp powder. Cook, stirring, until the duck
is sealed on all sides. Add the water and cook over a low heat for 15-20
minutes, until the duck is almost done. Remove from the heat and set
aside until ready to serve. Before serving, skim off any excess fat, add
the tamarind pulp and heat through gently. Serve hot.
Duck is a
festive dish throughout most of Southeast Asia. It should be cooked
before hand and then reheated, if possible - it tastes much better that
way.