Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      pounds        stewing beef or lamb cut into 1/2 inch
                         -- cubes or smaller
   1      large         onion -- finely chopped
   2      cloves        to 3 garlic chopped finely -- (optional)
   1      large         can whole or crushed tomatoes
   1      tablespoon    to 2 tomato paste
     1/2  cup           yellow split peas
   1      pound         potatoes for french fries
   3      teaspoons     salt
   1      teaspoon      black pepper
   1      teaspoon      turmeric
     1/2  teaspoon      cinnamon
     1/4  teaspoon      cayenne pepper
   4                    dried to 5 lemons
                        vegetable oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Fry the onions in about 2 Tbsp. of oil over med/high heat till they are lightly golden. Add the meat, raise the heat to high and keep frying till all the juices are absorbed. If you want to add any garlic, it may be added at the same time as the meat. 2. When the juices are absorbed, add the spices (salt, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper) and fry for a minute or so (don't over fry). Add the canned tomatoes and bring to a simmer. If you use whole tomatoes, cut them into big chunks. 3. Break the dried lemons into small pieces and discard the seeds as best as you can. Add the dried lemons and yellow split peas and simmer gently for about 2 hours, or till the meat is done to your satisfaction (fork tender). If the sauce looks too thin, add the 1 - 2 Tbsp. tomato paste to thicken it. If the sauce is too thick, add water as needed. 4. While the meat is simmering, make the french fries. You want to have the french fries ready when the meat is done so don't start too early. I like to make the fries thinner and shorter than one usually sees in restaurants. 5. When the meat is done, the sauce should be thick. Serve the stew in a large bowl with the fries spread over the stew. 6. Serve with hot basmatti rice. * Of course you can use fresh tomatoes instead. Substitute about 2 pounds of skinless, seeded tomatoe