I tried this the other week got most of the spices from the indian food shop
near the Kebab shop in tortosa had to substitue Galangal for ginger root

Recipe: Beef Rendang (Rendang Daging) or Spicy Beef Stew with Coconut

Ingredients:

1 1 / 2 pound boneless beef short ribs (cut into cubes)
5 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cinnamon stick (about 2-inch long)
5 Cloves
3 star anise or chinese 5 spice powder
1 Lemongrass (cut into 4-inch length and Pound)
1 cup thick coconut milk
1 cup water
2 teaspoons tamarind pulp (soaked in some warm water for the juice and discard the seeds)
6 Kaffir lime leaves (very finely sliced)
6 tablespoons kerisik (toasted coconut)
1 tablespoon sugar / palm sugar or to taste
Salt to taste

Spice Paste:

5 shallots
1 inch galangal
3 Lemongrass (white part only)
5 Cloves garlic
1 inch ginger
10-12 small dried Chilli (soaked in warm water and de-seeded)

Method:

1.Chop the spice paste ingredients and then blend it in a food processor until fine.
2.Heat the oil in a stew pot, add the spice paste, cinnamon, Cloves, star anise, and cardamom and stir-fry them until aromatic.
3.Add the beef and the pound Lemongrass and stir for 1 minute.
4.Add the coconut milk, tamarind juice, water, and simmer on medium heat, Stirring frequently until the meat is almost cooked.
5.Add the Kaffir lime leaves, kerisik (toasted coconut), sugar / palm sugar, Stirring to blend well with the meat.
6.Lower the heat to low, cover the lid, and simmer for 1 - 1 1 / 2 hours or until the meat is really tender and the gravy has dried up.
7.Add salt to taste. If not sweet enough, add more sugar to taste.
8.Serve immediately with Steamed rice and save some for overnight.
Cook's Note:

1.To prepare the kerisik or toasted coconut, just add the grated coconut to a dry wok and stir continuosly until they turn golden brown.
Substitute desicated coconut if you can't get fresh

It tasted great