Indonesian Beef Ribs Stew with Vegetables (Sayur Godog Iga Sapi)

Sayur Godog Iga Sapi: Savory Beef Ribs Stew

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Sayur Godog Iga Sapi, a delightful Indonesian beef ribs stew that harmoniously combines tender meat with a variety of fresh vegetables and fragrant spices. This hearty dish is perfect for a family meal and pairs beautifully with rice, lontong, or ketupat. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef ribs (Iga sapi)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 5 green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 young chayotes, peeled and sliced
• 1 stalk green onion, chopped
• 2 large green chilies
• 1 large red chili
• 5 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 coconut, grated (for coconut milk)
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, bruised
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 6 red cayenne peppers
• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp paste (ebi)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Beef Ribs:

   • Begin by boiling the beef ribs in a large pot of water until they are partially tender. Remove from the pot and set aside. Retain the cooking liquid for later use.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the red cayenne peppers, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and dried shrimp paste. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Toss in the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised galangal. Stir for a minute to release their flavors.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the partially cooked beef ribs to the pot, along with the reserved cooking liquid. Stir well.

6. Incorporate Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook until the beef ribs are fully tender and infused with the rich flavors of the spices.

7. Add Vegetables:

   • Start by adding the vegetables that take the longest to cook. Begin with the carrots, followed by the green beans and chayote. Stir and cook until all the vegetables are tender.

8. Season and Adjust:

   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and additional seasoning as needed. Continue to simmer until the flavors meld together perfectly.

9. Final Touches:

   • Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh red and green chilies if desired for an extra burst of flavor and color.

10. Serve:

    • Serve the Sayur Godog Iga Sapi hot with steamed rice, lontong, or ketupat. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful stew with your loved ones!

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine, blending aromatic spices with tender beef and fresh vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.