Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the coriander, cumin, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the salt.

Step 2

Add the beef, 1 cup of onion, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger and toss to coat. Allow meat to marinate at room temperature for an hour. (Or marinate, chilled, for at least 4 hours.)

Step 3

Place the arrowroot powder in another medium bowl. Remove the beef from the marinade and shake off most of the onion into the slow cooker as you transfer the beef to the arrowroot powder. Lightly dredge the beef in the powder, and place the remaining onion from the beef bowl into a 4 or 6 quart slow cooker.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (Medium heat if using butter.) Add the beef to the skillet in three batches, cooking, and turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides. The meat does not need to cook all the way through. Add 2 tablespoons of oil with each new batch of beef.

Step 5

Transfer beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 6

Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel, if needed. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chiles, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and remaining 1 tablespoon ginger; saute for 20 seconds, then add the remaining diced onion. Saute for 30 seconds, then transfer the spice-onion mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 7

Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil to the pan along with the cardamom and cloves and saute until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Wrap the cardamom and cloves in a small piece of cheesecloth and secure like a pouch with a piece of kitchen twine. (See note)

Step 8

Add spice pouch, garam masala, beef stock, and the remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons salt to the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Stir beef once halfway through cooking.

Step 9

During the last 10 minutes, stir in the yogurt. Right before serving, remove the bay leaf cinnamon stick, and pouch and stir in the herbs. Serve with rice and garnish with almonds if desired.