Authentic Indonesian Rawon Sapi: Hearty Beef Soup with Aromatic Spices

Rawon Sapi: A Traditional Indonesian Beef Soup

Rawon Sapi is a quintessential Indonesian dish that delights with its rich, deep flavors and complex aroma. This beef soup features a unique blend of spices and herbs, creating a comforting and hearty meal. Here’s a detailed recipe to bring this traditional delicacy to your table.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams beef
• 500 grams beef offal (including lung and heart)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 6 shallots
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 4 roasted candlenuts
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 piece galangal (crushed)
  • 2 pieces turmeric (peeled)
  • 2 pieces ginger (crushed)
  • 1 piece kencur (aromatic root, optional)
  • 4 pieces kluwek (soaked in hot water, flesh extracted)
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Cooking Ingredients:
  • Cooking oil (for sautéing)
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
  • 1/2 block shrimp paste (terasi)
  • 2 stalks green onions (sliced)
  • Salt to taste
  • White sugar to taste
  • Flavor enhancer (if needed)
  • Water as needed
  • 1/2 packet melinjo leaves (adjust to taste)
• For Serving:
  • Fried shallots
  • Shrimp paste sambal
  • Bean sprouts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef and Offal:

   • Begin by boiling the beef and offal in a pot of water until tender. Once cooked, discard the cooking water. Cut the beef and offal into small pieces and rinse them thoroughly to ensure cleanliness.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic cloves, roasted candlenuts, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, galangal, turmeric, ginger, kencur (if using), and kluwek flesh into a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or mortar and pestle for this step.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat some cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the spice paste is cooked, add the boiled beef and offal to the pan. Stir well to coat the meat with the spice mixture.

5. Simmer the Soup:

   • Transfer the sautéed meat and spice mixture into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the contents. Stir in the shrimp paste and adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and flavor enhancer as needed. Let it simmer gently.

6. Add the Melinjo Leaves:

   • When the soup is nearly done, add the melinjo leaves. Continue to cook until the leaves are tender and the flavors meld together.

7. Prepare the Bean Sprouts:

   • Blanch the bean sprouts in hot water or boil them until cooked, then set aside.

8. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the soup is fully cooked and flavorful, stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the Rawon Sapi hot, garnished with fried shallots, shrimp paste sambal, and bean sprouts.

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine with its aromatic spices and hearty ingredients. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warm, comforting experience of Rawon Sapi, a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.