Hearty Indonesian Beef Rib Soup with Aromatic Spices

Savory Indonesian Beef Rib Soup (Iga Sapi)

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef ribs
• 2 potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 1 tomato
• 1 stalk green onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 6 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1/2 nutmeg
• 1 star anise
• 1 candlenut
• 15 black peppercorns
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Ribs:
   Begin by cleaning the beef ribs thoroughly. Place them in a pot with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Boil for about 20 minutes, then discard the water. This step helps remove impurities and excess fat. Replace with fresh water, bring to a boil again, and cook until the ribs are tender. Once cooked, discard the water and set the ribs aside to drain.

2. Prepare the Aromatic Spices:
   While the ribs are cooking, grind the shallots, garlic, black peppercorns, candlenut, and nutmeg into a smooth paste. This mixture will infuse the soup with deep, aromatic flavors.

3. Chop the Vegetables:
   Peel and cut the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Slice the green onion, celery, and tomato into thin strips.

4. Cook the Soup:
   In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and carrots. Stir in the ground spice paste, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, star anise, and salt. Allow the vegetables to cook until they start to become tender.

5. Add the Ribs and Vegetables:
   Once the vegetables are partially cooked, add the prepared beef ribs to the pot. Continue cooking until the ribs are fully tender and the flavors are well combined. Add the tomato, green onion, and celery in the final stages of cooking to retain their freshness and texture.

6. Season and Serve:
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Allow the soup to simmer gently until all the ingredients are well integrated and the flavors are rich. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, aromatic flavors of this Indonesian beef rib soup.

This savory beef rib soup, known as Iga Sapi, is perfect for warming up on a cool day or as a hearty meal for any occasion. Its rich blend of spices and tender beef makes for a satisfying and flavorful dish.