Authentic Indonesian Beef Rawon Soup

Rawon Daging Sapi: A Traditional Indonesian Beef Soup

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef (cut into cubes)
• 7 bay leaves
• Beef broth (optional, can substitute with water)
• Tamarind water (1/2 tsp tamarind dissolved in water)

For the Spice Paste:

• 7 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 7 kluwek nuts (remove shells and soak in hot water)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 3 pinky-sized pieces of turmeric (optional to reduce amount)
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of lesser galangal (optional)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fingerroot (optional)
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 7 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cardamom pod
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• A small amount of shrimp paste (pre-fried briefly)

For Garnish:

• Spring onions, sliced diagonally
• Bean sprouts
• Fried shallots

Crushed Aromatics:

• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • While preparing the spices, soak the shelled kluwek nuts in hot water to soften them, making them easier to grind. Soak tamarind in a separate bowl.
   • Clean the beef and cut it into cubes.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Grind the shallots, garlic, softened kluwek nuts, ginger, turmeric, lesser galangal, fingerroot, black peppercorns, kaffir lime leaves, cumin seeds, cardamom, salt, sugar, and pre-fried shrimp paste into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

   • Heat some oil in a pot. Sauté the spice paste along with the crushed lemongrass, bay leaves, and galangal until fragrant.

4. Cook the Beef:

   • Add the beef cubes and tamarind water to the pot. Stir well until the beef is coated with the spice mixture.
   • Add a glass of water and cover the pot, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize.

5. Add Broth and Season:

   • Once the liquid has reduced slightly, add the beef broth or water to the pot. Stir and let it simmer. Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar to taste.
   • Allow the soup to come to a boil and cook until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.

6. Finishing Touches:

   • Turn off the heat and add the sliced spring onions and fried shallots.

7. Serving:

   • Serve the Rawon hot with bean sprouts on the side.
   • For an extra kick, accompany the soup with a raw shrimp paste sambal (sambal terasi) mixed with a squeeze of lime.

Notes:

• This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of sambal for a complete meal.
• Adjust the amount of kluwek nuts and turmeric according to your taste preference.
• Feel free to add sliced red chili peppers if you prefer a spicier soup.

Selamat Mencoba (Happy Trying)! Enjoy this flavorful, traditional Indonesian beef soup that brings together rich, earthy flavors with a hint of tanginess from the tamarind.