Indonesian Beef Tongseng: Rich and Spicy Coconut Stew

Tongseng Daging Sapi: Savory Indonesian Beef Stew

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Tongseng Daging Sapi, a traditional Indonesian beef stew renowned for its tender meat and fragrant spices. This hearty dish combines beef with a flavorful blend of spices, herbs, and coconut milk, offering a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreating this delicious recipe at home.

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef (cooked until tender)
• 1 segment galangal (crushed)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)
• Coconut milk (preferably Kara brand)
• Fried shallots (for garnish)
• Spring onions (sliced, for garnish)
• Water (as needed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Bouillon powder (to taste)

For Sliced Ingredients:

• 2 red curly chilies
• 2 green curly chilies
• 3 green tomatoes
• Cabbage (coarsely chopped)

For Ground Spices:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 6 shallots
• 4 candlenuts
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 3 bird’s eye chilies
• 2 cm ginger
• 2 cm turmeric

Steps

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Begin by grinding the garlic, shallots, candlenuts, coriander seeds, bird’s eye chilies, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will be the base of your stew.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Incorporate the tender beef into the pot, stirring well to coat the meat with the aromatic spice paste. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the flavors.

4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

   • Add the sliced red and green chilies, green tomatoes, and coarsely chopped cabbage to the pot. Mix well to combine with the beef and spices.
   • Season the stew with sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, and bouillon powder to taste. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, and stir to combine.

5. Simmer:

   • Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender, absorbing all the aromatic spices.

6. Incorporate Coconut Milk:

   • Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked, slowly add the coconut milk to the pot. Stir gently to combine and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the stew is rich and creamy.

7. Finish and Garnish:

   • Just before serving, sprinkle sliced spring onions and fried shallots on top for added flavor and texture.

8. Serve:

   • Your Tongseng Daging Sapi is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a hearty main course in your meal.

This Tongseng Daging Sapi recipe combines the savory depth of beef with a harmonious blend of spices and coconut milk, creating a dish that’s both comforting and rich in flavor. Enjoy this traditional Indonesian stew with your family and friends for a delightful culinary experience.