Spiced Beef Soup (Sup Sapi Berempah)
Ingredients:
- 500 grams beef shank or stew meat
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 200 grams cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 8 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced as desired
- 1 bunch celery, thinly sliced
- 2 liters water
- Salt and sugar to taste
For the Spice Paste:
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 nutmeg seed
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Beef:
Begin by briefly boiling the beef shank or stew meat in a pot of boiling water just until it is cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside. Discard the initial boiling water. Dice the cooked beef into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot with fresh water. (Optional: You can use the first batch of boiling water as broth or replace it with fresh water based on your preference.) -
Cook the Aromatics:
In a separate pan, sauté the thinly sliced shallots until they are fragrant and golden brown. Add these sautéed shallots to the pot with the beef. Stir to combine. -
Add the Spices:
Grind the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and nutmeg together to create a spice paste. Add this paste to the pot along with salt and sugar. Mix thoroughly and bring the soup to a simmer over low heat, allowing it to cook until the beef becomes tender and the broth thickens. -
Incorporate Vegetables:
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Include the carrots near the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft. Cook until the vegetables are tender. -
Finish the Soup:
Once the beef and vegetables are tender, stir in the scallions, celery, diced tomato, and sliced cabbage. Allow the soup to simmer until all the ingredients are well-cooked and tender. -
Serve:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy fried shallots if desired.
This Spiced Beef Soup, or Sup Sapi Berempah, is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty ingredients in every bowl!
