Clear Beef Tendon Soup (Sup Kikil Sapi Kuah Bening)
This Indonesian Clear Beef Tendon Soup, or Sup Kikil Sapi Kuah Bening, is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef tendon simmered to perfection in a clear broth with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Ideal for a hearty meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients with rich flavors, making it a delightful addition to any menu.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef tendon (pre-cooked using a pressure cooker)
- 3 local carrots (cut into thick matchsticks or according to preference)
- 2 stalks of scallions
- 2 fresh bay leaves (if available, preferably freshly picked)
For the Spice Paste:
- 7 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Thinly sliced celery leaves
- Fried shallots
- Lime wedges
- Chili sauce (sambal cabe rawit)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef Tendon:
- Start by cooking the beef tendon in a pressure cooker until tender. This step is crucial as it ensures that the tendon is soft and flavorful.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- While the beef tendon is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend the garlic, ground nutmeg, and black pepper into a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will infuse the broth with a warm, spicy flavor.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. This step helps to release the essential oils and intensify the flavors of the spices.
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Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the sliced scallions and the sautéed spice paste. Let it simmer to combine the flavors.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Once the beef tendon is tender, transfer it into the pot of boiling water. Add the bay leaves and carrot matchsticks. Season with salt to taste. Allow the soup to simmer until the carrots are tender and the flavors meld together.
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Final Touches:
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the soup is ready and the beef tendon is fully cooked, remove from heat.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fried shallots, thinly sliced celery leaves, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with chili sauce on the side for added heat if desired.
Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this traditional Indonesian beef tendon soup, perfect for any occasion. The tender beef, aromatic spices, and fresh garnishes make each bowl a delightful and satisfying meal.
