Indonesian Spicy Beef Stew with Coconut Milk

Tongseng Daging Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew

Tongseng Daging Sapi is a delightful Indonesian beef stew that combines tender beef with aromatic spices and rich coconut milk. This savory dish is perfect for those who love complex flavors with a touch of sweetness and heat. Here’s how you can create this flavorful stew at home.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500 ml coconut milk (from half a fresh coconut)
• 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 5 cabbage leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced diagonally
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 5-10 bird’s eye chilies (sliced or left whole, depending on your heat preference)
• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 cm cinnamon stick
• Salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 7 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds (roasted)
• 1 cm turmeric (roasted)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 large red chilies (or curly red chilies)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, roasted turmeric, black peppercorns, and red chilies. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

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2. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and bruised lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant.

3. Add Aromatics: Introduce the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick into the pot. Stir for a few more minutes to release the spices’ essential oils.

4. Brown the Beef: Add the beef pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef with the aromatic paste and spices. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides.

5. Simmer the Beef: Pour in a small amount of water to help the beef cook through. Cover and simmer until the beef becomes tender and the water has mostly evaporated.

6. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.

7. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced bird’s eye chilies, chopped cabbage, green onion, and tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce according to your taste preferences. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

8. Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the dish is ready, transfer it to a serving bowl.

9. Serve: Garnish with fried shallots for an added crunch. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Tongseng Daging Sapi.

Enjoy Your Tongseng Daging Sapi!

This hearty and flavorful Indonesian beef stew is perfect for family meals or special occasions. Its blend of spices and coconut milk creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors that make Tongseng Daging Sapi a beloved recipe in Indonesian cuisine.