Simmered Cabbage with Beef, Shan Style

The name of this dish is galam-oop, which indicates the cooking method (oop) used to prepare cabbage (galam). The " oop " cooking method, common in Northern Thailand and among the Shan people in Myanmar, involves slowly stewing under a tightly closed lid ingredients that have been mixed with very little or no water and oil. A small amount of ground beef gives the dish a rich taste and adds extra juiciness. For the vegetarian option, do not cook beef and add 1 teaspoon of brown miso paste while cooking the cabbage; reduce the amount of salt slightly.
Preheat a wok or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the peanut butter to the pan and stir to coat. Add the shallots, salt, turmeric, and red pepper; cook for 3 minutes or until the shallots are tender, stirring frequently. Add the beef; cook for 2 minutes or until the beef starts to brown. Add the cabbage and tomatoes; mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook for 10 minutes or until cabbage wilts. Add the peanuts, cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.