Indonesian Spiced Beef Stew with Coconut Milk

Tongseng Sapi: A Delightful Indonesian Beef Stew

Tongseng Sapi is a savory and aromatic Indonesian beef stew that boasts a unique blend of spices and flavors, ideal for a hearty meal. This traditional dish features tender beef simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with an array of spices and herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Cabbage (sliced coarsely, as desired)
• Coconut milk (to taste)
• 10 whole bird’s eye chilies
• 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)
• Palm sugar (to taste)
• Sugar and salt (to taste)
• 7 shallots (peeled)
• 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 6 curly red chilies
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Turmeric (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

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   • In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, black pepper, coriander seeds, and turmeric. Blend into a smooth paste.

2. Sauté the Spices:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, crushed lemongrass, and galangal. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the blended spice paste to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the paste becomes aromatic and begins to darken.

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Add the beef pieces to the pot. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and well-coated with the spice paste.

4. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the beef starts to become tender.

5. Season the Stew:

   • Add water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Season with palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, sugar, and salt according to your taste preferences.
   • Adjust seasoning as needed. Continue to cook until the beef is fully tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Add Chilies and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the whole bird’s eye chilies and chopped tomatoes. Cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes soften and the chilies infuse their heat into the stew.

7. Serve:

   • Once the beef is tender and the flavors are well-balanced, remove the pot from heat. Serve the Tongseng Sapi hot, alongside a steaming bowl of rice.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Indonesian stew, perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion.