Tongseng Sapi Khas Solo
Ingredients:
- 350 grams of beef (I used shank)
- 1 liter of water
- 500 ml coconut milk (I used 250 ml of thick instant coconut milk + water)
- 75 grams of cabbage or as desired, cut into wide pieces
- 1 large red tomato, cut into pieces
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, crushed and tied in a knot
- 1 finger-length piece of galangal (about 10 grams), crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce or as desired (I prefer not too sweet)
- 5 whole bird’s eye chilies (add more if you like it spicier)
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste
- Seasoning powder (optional)
- Fried shallots for garnish
Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds, toasted
- 1 teaspoon of ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 finger-length piece of turmeric, roasted
- 2 finger-length pieces of ginger (about 15 grams)
Steps:
- Boil the beef until half-cooked, then cut it into pieces. Reserve about 750 ml of the broth, and put the beef back into the broth, then set it aside.
- Sauté the spice paste along with the lemongrass, bay leaf, galangal, and bird’s eye chilies until fragrant.
- Reheat the pot with the beef and broth, then add the sautéed spice mixture into the pot. Add coconut milk, sweet soy sauce, sugar, salt, and seasoning powder if using. Stir well to combine.
- Cook until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Cook until the broth thickens, then adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Turn off the heat, add the cabbage and tomato pieces. Serve with a sprinkle of fried shallots on top.
Note: I prefer to add the cabbage and tomatoes at the end to prevent them from becoming too soft. This way, the cabbage remains slightly wilted but still crunchy when served. For the fried shallots, I like to add them together with the salt, soy sauce, etc., not just as a garnish. However, feel free to adjust according to your preference.
Enjoy this savory and aromatic Tongseng Sapi Khas Solo, a delicious and comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Indonesia to your table. Perfect for a hearty meal with family and friends!
