Hilu hamud (sweet-sour meat stew with tamarind)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large casserole and brown the seasoned pieces of meat on all sides, in small batches.
2. Add the sliced onions and let them colour over medium heat for 10 minutes, until well browned.
3. Stir in the sugar and keep stirring until it turns to a golden caramel, then add the tomatoes and cumin and let reduce for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the hot water, add the diluted tamarind paste and the dried plums, then simmer covered for 60 minutes.
5. Add the potato wedges and cook for another 20 minutes, until the meat is tender and the sauce is glossy.
6. Adjust the sourness and sweetness to your taste and serve piping hot with rice.