Mix all spices with a bit of water or milk to form a paste. heat oil on the stove and add onions, garlic, ginger, thyme, curry leaves and tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 mins, add the spice paste and cook for 3 mins or until it changes colour - the paste will change colour and emit a nice fragrance when the spices are cooked, add the vegetables, beef, 1/2 cup of water and stir to mix add salt and pepper to taste.