Spicy Indonesian Beef Stew (Kerengseng Sapi)

Kerengseng Sapi

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of beef
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 stalks of lemongrass, crushed
• 3 tablespoons tamarind water
• Sweet soy sauce
• Tomatoes, onions, granulated sugar, and seasoning to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 6 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 15 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 4 roasted candlenuts
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 inch ginger

Steps:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Grind or blend the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, black pepper, and ginger into a smooth paste.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and slightly changes color.

3. Cook the Beef: Add the beef to the pan and cook until it changes color and absorbs the flavors from the spice paste.

4. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and crushed lemongrass to the pan. Stir in the sweet soy sauce and tamarind water. Mix well to combine.

5. Simmer Until Tender: Pour in enough water to cover the beef. Bring to a simmer and cook until the beef becomes tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Final Adjustments: Add the chopped tomatoes, granulated sugar, and seasoning to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld together.

7. Finish with Onions: Add the sliced onions and cook for a brief moment, just until they start to soften but still retain some crunch. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy your Kerengseng Sapi with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.