Authentic Indonesian Soto Sapi: Hearty Beef Soup with Aromatic Spices

Soto Sapi: A Savory Indonesian Beef Soup

Soto Sapi is a hearty and aromatic Indonesian beef soup that combines tender chunks of beef with a blend of fragrant spices and fresh herbs. This comforting dish is perfect for warming up on a cool day or impressing guests with its rich, flavorful broth. Here’s how you can recreate this traditional recipe at home.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Soup:

• 250 grams beef, cut into large cubes

For the Spice Paste (to be ground or blended):

• 4 cloves garlic
• 6 shallots
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 3 candlenuts (kemiri)

For the Soup Base:

• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 4 cm galangal, bruised

For the Optional Fillings (as desired):

• 1 tomato, sliced thinly
• 1/4 kg cabbage, finely chopped
• 1/4 kg bean sprouts, blanched until half-cooked
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped

For Topping and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Cooked sambal (chili paste)
• Fried tempeh, sliced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Place the beef cubes into a large pot and cover with 1.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While the beef is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend or grind together the garlic, shallots, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and candlenuts until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the paste has darkened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add the Spice Paste to the Soup:

   • Once the beef is tender, add the sautéed spice paste to the pot.

5. Add the Aromatics:

   • Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, bruised lemongrass, and bruised galangal to the pot. Stir well to combine.

6. Simmer and Season:

   • Continue to simmer the soup, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, sugar, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed for your preference.

7. Prepare the Fillings:

   • While the soup is simmering, prepare your desired fillings such as tomato slices, cabbage, bean sprouts, celery, and scallions.

8. Serve:

   • Once the soup is ready and flavorful, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with your choice of fillings. Serve hot with lime wedges, sweet soy sauce, sambal, and fried tempeh on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Soto Sapi, a true delight that captures the essence of Indonesian home cooking!