Simple Beef Age (Age Daging Sapi Simple) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg beef, sliced thinly
- 4 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 candlenuts
- Ground nutmeg, to taste
- Ground coriander, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- A small amount of kencur (aromatic herb)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- A small piece of galangal (lengkuas)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- Cinnamon stick, to taste
- Tamarind, to taste
- Palm sugar, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Granulated sugar, to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by grinding the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, black pepper, coriander, nutmeg, and kencur into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or food processor. The goal is to achieve a fine, aromatic blend that will infuse your dish with rich flavors.
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Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into thin slices. This will ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly, absorbing the flavors of the spices more effectively.
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Sauté the Spices: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste to the hot oil. To this, add the bay leaf, kaffir lime leaves, cinnamon stick, ginger, galangal, and bruised lemongrass. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Cook the Beef: Pour in enough water to cover the spice mixture. Add tamarind, palm sugar, salt, and granulated sugar to taste. Stir well to combine. Once the mixture is well-seasoned, add the sliced beef.
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Simmer the Dish: Allow the dish to simmer gently until the liquid reduces and thickens, concentrating the flavors. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the beef slices and the heat level. Keep an eye on it to ensure that the beef becomes tender and cooked through.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. If more sweetness or tang is desired, you can add extra sugar or tamarind.
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Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve the Simple Beef Age hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for a hearty meal that showcases the rich spices of Indonesian cuisine.
