Soto Daging Sapi Recipe: A Savory Indonesian Beef Soup
Discover the rich flavors of traditional Indonesian Soto Daging Sapi, a comforting and aromatic beef soup perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This recipe blends a variety of spices and fresh ingredients to create a deeply satisfying dish. Let’s walk through the steps to make this delightful soup.
Ingredients
- 1/4 kg diced beef: Use tender cuts for a more succulent soup.
- 1 stalk lemongrass: Lightly crushed to release its aromatic oils.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note.
- 1 kaffir lime leaf: For a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- 2 cm fresh turmeric: Lightly roasted for depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds: Ground to enhance the soup’s warmth.
- 1 candle nut: Adds a nutty richness (if unavailable, use cashew nuts).
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a touch of heat.
- 1/2 star anise: A whole star anise adds a hint of sweet licorice flavor.
- 2 cm cinnamon stick: Infuses the broth with a warm, spicy essence.
- 1 cardamom pod: Optional; use if you enjoy a hint of its fragrant aroma.
- 1 clove: For additional spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 2 cm ginger: Lightly crushed to impart warmth.
- 5 red shallots: Finely chopped.
- 5 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 2 additional cloves garlic: Thinly sliced and fried until crispy, for garnish.
- 2 stalks green onions: Chopped.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the flavors.
- 4 teaspoons salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1.5 liters water: To create the soup base.
- 1/2 packet beef bouillon powder: Optional, can be substituted with other flavor enhancers.
- Fried shallots: For garnish.
- Bean sprouts or rice noodles: Optional, add as desired.
- Boiled chili peppers, lime wedges, and sweet soy sauce: For serving.
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine red shallots, garlic, cardamom, clove, star anise, cumin, coriander, candle nut, and turmeric. Blend until smooth.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.
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Flavor the Soup: Add lemongrass, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaf, ginger, and cinnamon stick to the pan. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
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Add the Beef: Place the diced beef into the pot and stir to coat with the spice mixture. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beef is tender (approximately 1-1.5 hours).
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Season the Soup: Stir in the sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and beef bouillon powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Add Garnishes: Just before serving, add the chopped green onions to the soup.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy fried garlic, bean sprouts, or rice noodles if desired. Serve with boiled chili peppers, lime wedges, and sweet soy sauce on the side.
Enjoy this Soto Daging Sapi with family and friends, and savor the complex flavors and comforting warmth of this traditional Indonesian dish.