In a large skillet brown meant, half at a time, in hot oil. Drain off fat. In a 31/2- or 4-quart crockery cooker place sweet potatoes, onion and dried apples. Add meat. Sprinkle with tapioca, garlic, dried sage (if using), cardamom, and pepper. Pour broth and apple juice over all.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 hours. If using, stir fresh sage into juices.