Step 1

In a large skillet warmed over medium-high heat, add the beef

Step 2

Break it up with spoon, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's no longer pink

Step 3

Remove the meat from the skillet to a plate using a slotted spoon

Step 4

Add the onions to the skillet, season with salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes

Step 5

Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, stirring often

Step 6

Add the coriander, paprika, garam masala, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using) and turmeric and saute, stirring often to keep the spices from burning, for about 30 seconds

Step 7

Add the beef back to the skillet and stir well to coat every morsel with the spices

Step 8

Add the tomatoes, season with a pinch of salt and stir well

Step 9

Cook until the tomatoes start to soften, then pour in the water and stir well

Step 10

Cover, turn the heat to low and cook about 10 minutes

Step 11

Add the peas and cook another 5 minutes

Step 12

Stir in the vinegar and chopped cilantro

Step 13

Taste for seasoning and serve!  Garam Masala (makes about ½ cup): Combine the cinnamon sticks, cloves, green cardamom seeds and black cardamom seeds (if using) in a spice grinder or coffee grinder and grind until fine

Step 14

Store the spice mix in an airtight container away from direct sunlight