Authentic Indonesian Rawon Beef Soup with Keluwek

Rawon Daging Sapi: A Hearty Indonesian Beef Soup

Rawon Daging Sapi is a deeply flavorful Indonesian beef soup known for its rich, aromatic broth and distinctive black color, which comes from the use of keluwek (Pangium edule) seeds. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with fresh bean sprouts, crunchy crackers, and spicy sambal. Follow this detailed recipe to create a delicious bowl of Rawon Daging Sapi that captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 kg beef with some bones (such as shank and ribs), cut into chunks
• 2 liters water

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 keluwek seeds
• 10 shallots
• 4 garlic cloves
• 4 candlenuts
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 piece ginger (about 2 cm), peeled
• 1 piece turmeric (about 2 cm), peeled
• 1 piece galangal (about 2 cm), peeled
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• Salt and sugar, to taste

For Additional Flavor:

• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 3 bay leaves
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning (such as MSG), to taste

For Garnishes:

• Bean sprouts
• Crackers
• Sambal (chili paste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add the beef chunks and cook over low heat until tender, which should take approximately 1 hour. Once tender, remove the beef from the pot and let it cool. Reserve the cooking liquid for later use. After cooling, cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.

2. Roast the Spices:

   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, roast the shallots, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, ginger, and candlenuts until fragrant. This step enhances the flavors and brings out the aromatic qualities of the spices.

3. Prepare the Keluwek:

   • Crack the keluwek seeds open and extract the black paste inside. Soak this paste in hot water for a few minutes to soften it.

4. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the roasted shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and galangal into a smooth paste. Add the keluwek paste to the spice mixture and blend until well combined.

5. Cook the Soup:

   • Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes aromatic. Add the lemongrass and bay leaves, stirring frequently to mix the flavors.
   • Add the beef pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly with the spice paste. Cook for a few minutes until the beef starts to brown.

6. Simmer the Soup:

   • Pour in the reserved beef broth and additional water to reach a total of approximately 2 liters. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

7. Season the Soup:

   • Add the kaffir lime leaves, salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.

8. Serve:

   • Ladle the hot Rawon Daging Sapi into bowls. Garnish with fresh bean sprouts, serve with crunchy crackers, and offer sambal on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Enjoy your homemade Rawon Daging Sapi with its rich, savory flavor and delightful textures. This traditional Indonesian dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or for impressing guests with its unique and delicious taste.