Spicy Beef and Tofu Stew with Coconut Milk

Title: Tongseng Sapi Tahu: Savory Beef and Tofu Stew

Ingredients:

• 150 grams beef, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 large cabbage leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tomato, cut into chunks
• Fried shallots, for garnish
• 5 blocks tofu, cut into triangles and fried
• Seasonings:
  • Salt, to taste
  • Granulated sugar, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 1/2 inch galangal, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cm cinnamon stick
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
  • 1 packet coconut milk (such as Kara)
  • 5 whole bird’s eye chilies (green, if available)
• Spice Paste:
  • 4 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch turmeric
  • 2 candlenuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 red curly chilies (blanched)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Clean the beef thoroughly and boil it in water for 15 minutes. Discard the water, replace with fresh water, and cook on low heat until the beef is tender, ensuring the broth remains clear. (Traditional recipes do not require pre-boiling, but this step helps tenderize the meat faster.)

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a pan, heat a small amount of oil and fry all the ingredients for the spice paste (excluding the ground black pepper) until they become aromatic and softened. (Traditionally, the spices are used raw, but frying them first can enhance their flavors and reduce the raw taste.)

3. Blend the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the fried spices into a smooth paste, adding ground black pepper. Also blend the blanched red chilies until smooth.

4. Cook the Base:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Sauté the spice paste along with lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick until fragrant.

5. Add Liquids and Seasonings:

   • Pour in the beef broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then add salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce. You can also add beef stock powder for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Simmer the Stew:

   • Add the fried tofu, beef, and whole bird’s eye chilies to the pan. Cook until the broth reduces slightly and the flavors infuse into the tofu and beef.

7. Finish with Vegetables:

   • Once the broth has reduced, add the chopped cabbage and tomato. Continue cooking until the cabbage is tender.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with fried shallots before serving.

Enjoy your Tongseng Sapi Tahu, a delicious and comforting beef and tofu stew that is perfect for any occasion!