Authentic Indonesian Tongseng Sapi: Savory Beef Stew with Coconut Milk

Tongseng Sapi (Indonesian Beef Stew)

This delightful Indonesian dish, Tongseng Sapi, combines tender beef with a rich and aromatic blend of spices and fresh vegetables. The stew features a fragrant coconut milk base, accented by a medley of traditional spices and herbs. Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to please any palate with its savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Ingredients

• 250 grams beef (cut into cubes)
• 600 ml water
• 250 grams cabbage (chopped into large pieces)
• 3 shallots (thinly sliced)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (bruised)
• 2 slices galangal (1-inch diameter, bruised)
• 25 grams bird’s eye chilies (to taste, sliced)
• 1 tomato (deseeded and diced)
• 250 ml coconut milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 kaffir lime leaf (center stem removed)
• 1 spring onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
• Salt and sugar (to taste)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 shallots
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 candlenuts
• 1 piece turmeric (about 1-inch)
• 1 piece ginger (about 1-inch)
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

Additional:

• Cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • In a large pot, simmer the beef in water until tender, leaving approximately 400 ml of the beef broth. Cut the beef into cubes and set aside.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced shallots until softened.
   • Add the spice paste ingredients (shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, coriander seeds, and ground pepper) to the pan. Sauté until aromatic.
   • Incorporate the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass, and galangal into the pan. Cook until fragrant.
   • Stir in the sweet soy sauce.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour in the reserved beef broth. Add the beef cubes to the pot and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and stir in the coconut milk. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, ensuring that the coconut milk does not curdle.

4. Add Vegetables:

   • Once the mixture begins to simmer gently (with small bubbles forming at the edges), taste and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar if needed.
   • Add the chopped cabbage and diced tomato. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Turn off the heat. Stir in the sliced spring onions.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this Indonesian classic!

This Tongseng Sapi recipe brings a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen with its savory beef, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with exotic flavors, this dish is a wonderful addition to any recipe collection.