Authentic Soto Bandung: Indonesian Beef Soup with Radish and Spices

Soto Bandung: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Soup

Soto Bandung is a beloved Indonesian beef soup that brings together aromatic spices, tender beef, and crisp radish in a savory broth. This dish, popular in Bandung and throughout Indonesia, is often enjoyed as a hearty meal and is known for its comforting and robust flavors. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful soup, with detailed instructions to help you prepare a delicious Soto Bandung right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg (1 pound) beef (cut into cubes)
• 2 cups water
• 1 large daikon radish (thinly sliced and soaked in water)

Spice Paste:

• 8 cloves garlic
• 4 cloves shallots
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 packet beef seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 piece galangal (sliced)
• 1 piece ginger (sliced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass (sliced lengthwise)

Garnishes:

• 100 grams white soybeans (soaked for 1 hour, then fried)
• 2 packets glass noodles (soaked in warm water)
• 1 stalk green onion (sliced)
• 1 sprig cilantro (chopped)
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• Fried shallots
• Sweet soy sauce
• Sliced chili (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes. Rinse well.
   • In a large pot, add the beef and 1 cup of water. Cook over medium heat until the beef is tender. Retain the broth as it will form the base of your soup.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, shallots, black pepper, salt, and beef seasoning into a fine paste. Alternatively, you can use a food processor.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the sautéed spice paste to the pot with the cooked beef and its broth. Pour in an additional cup of water. Bring to a boil.

5. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the galangal, ginger, bay leaves, and lemongrass to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

6. Incorporate the Radish:

   • Add the sliced daikon radish to the pot. Continue to cook until the radish is tender.

7. Prepare Garnishes:

   • Arrange the fried soybeans, soaked glass noodles, sliced green onion, and chopped cilantro in serving bowls.
   • Pour the hot Soto Bandung over the garnishes in each bowl.

8. Final Touches:

   • Garnish with fried shallots, a squeeze of lemon juice, and diced tomatoes.
   • Serve with sweet soy sauce and sliced chili on the side for added flavor.

Enjoy your Soto Bandung, a comforting and flavorful Indonesian beef soup that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl!