Tangy Indonesian Beef Stew (Asem Asem Daging Sapi)

Asem Asem Daging Sapi: A Delightful Indonesian Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef (soup cuts or beef ribs)
• 6 shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 segment of galangal, smashed
• Salt and sugar to taste
• 500 ml water
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of palm sugar
• 8 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• A handful of green beans, cut into pieces
• 1 carrot, sliced
• Tamarind paste, dissolved in water (to taste)
• Fried shallots for garnish
• Cooking oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, boil the beef in water for approximately 30 minutes or until tender. Add more water as needed to keep the beef covered.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, galangal, and bay leaves until fragrant. Add a bit of salt and sugar to taste. Continue to cook until the shallots are translucent and aromatic.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Add the sliced carrots and green beans to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Stir well and then turn off the heat.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Once the beef is tender, transfer it to the pot with the remaining broth. Incorporate the sautéed mixture, including the vegetables. Add the sweet soy sauce and palm sugar to the pot. Stir in the tamarind paste dissolved in water to balance the flavors.

5. Finish Cooking:

   • Simmer the stew until the carrots and green beans are cooked through and tender. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and sugar if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fried shallots for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy this hearty and tangy Asem Asem Daging Sapi, a traditional Indonesian beef stew that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!