Tongseng Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 500 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 7 shallots
- 1 candlenut
- 3 curly red chilies
- 3 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1-inch piece of turmeric
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Beef flavor seasoning
- Chicken flavor seasoning
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to taste
- Palm sugar to taste
- Fried shallots for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Begin by boiling the beef pieces in water. Once the water comes to a boil, discard it to remove impurities and excess fat. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, shallots, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies (if using), candlenut, ginger, and turmeric. Blend into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Add the Beef:
- Add the pre-cooked beef pieces to the pot with the spice paste. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices. Pour in enough water to cover the beef and bring to a simmer. Cook until the beef is tender.
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Incorporate Vegetables:
- Add the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Continue to simmer until the cabbage is tender and the tomatoes have broken down into the sauce.
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Season the Stew:
- Season the stew with salt, beef flavor seasoning, chicken flavor seasoning, ground black pepper, sweet soy sauce, and palm sugar. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
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Finish Cooking:
- Allow the stew to simmer gently until all the flavors meld together and the cabbage is cooked through.
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Serve:
- Serve the Tongseng Sapi hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fried shallots for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy with steamed rice for a complete meal.
This Tongseng Sapi recipe offers a delicious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
