Soto Daging Sapi: A Hearty Indonesian Beef Soup
Soto Daging Sapi, a delightful Indonesian beef soup, is a comforting dish brimming with rich flavors and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe combines tender beef with a fragrant blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a savory and satisfying bowl of soup. Here’s how you can recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams beef (cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds (ground)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 3 stalks lemongrass (lightly bruised)
- 8 shallots (peeled)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 7 candlenuts (soaked in hot water and peeled)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)
- Turmeric, ginger, and galangal (to taste; peeled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fried shallots (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and bouillon powder (to taste)
- 1.5 liters water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and slice the shallots and garlic, and soak the candlenuts in hot water to soften. Lightly bruise the lemongrass and tear the kaffir lime leaves to release their aromatic oils. -
Make the Spice Paste:
Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, and galangal into a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or mortar and pestle for this step. The goal is to create a flavorful base that will infuse the soup with depth and complexity. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté the mixture until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste, about 5 minutes. -
Cook the Beef:
Add the cubed beef to the pot, stirring well to coat the meat with the spice mixture. Continue to cook until the beef starts to brown and changes color. -
Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently until the beef is tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear. -
Season the Soup:
Once the beef is tender, season the soup with salt and bouillon powder to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring a well-balanced flavor. -
Finish and Serve:
Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with fried shallots. You can also add additional toppings to your preference, such as fresh herbs, sliced chilies, or lime wedges. -
Enjoy:
Serve your Soto Daging Sapi hot, paired with steamed rice or traditional Indonesian condiments. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of Indonesian home cooking in every bowl.
With its rich, aromatic broth and tender chunks of beef, Soto Daging Sapi is sure to be a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delightful flavors and heartwarming comfort of this traditional Indonesian soup.
