Authentic Indonesian Soto Betawi: Rich Beef Soup with Coconut and Spices

Soto Betawi is a traditional Indonesian soup from the Betawi region of Jakarta, known for its rich and aromatic flavors. This recipe for Soto Betawi Daging Sapi offers a comforting bowl of tender beef simmered with a blend of spices and coconut milk, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 300 grams beef (cleaned and cut into cubes)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
• 6 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (I use Maggie beef cubes)
• 100 ml coconut milk (20 ml coconut milk + water)
• 6 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Spice Paste:

• 11 shallots
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4 candlenuts
• 6 red chili peppers
• 4 bird’s eye chilies
• 1 piece turmeric root
• 1 piece galangal
• 1 piece ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • In a large pot, boil the beef cubes until tender. Once the beef is cooked, strain and reserve 500 ml of the beef broth.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Using a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, cumin seeds, candlenuts, red chili peppers, bird’s eye chilies, turmeric, galangal, ginger, black pepper, and ground coriander. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant.
   • Add the spice paste to the pot and cook until the aroma is released.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the boiled beef cubes into the pot with the spice paste.
   • Pour in the reserved beef broth, beef bouillon cubes, and coconut milk.
   • Stir in cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Season with sugar and salt.
   • Simmer gently, making sure not to let the coconut milk boil over or curdle.

5. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serving:

   • Once the soup is ready, it can be garnished with chopped green onions and served with optional toppings such as boiled eggs, fried shallots, or sambal. However, in this recipe, it is kept simple as per personal preference.

Enjoy the comforting and flavorful Soto Betawi, a traditional Indonesian beef soup that is sure to warm you from the inside out!