Authentic Indonesian Soto Sapi: Hearty Beef Soup with Spices

Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Soto Sapi, a traditional Indonesian beef soup that combines tender beef with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This delightful dish is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing guests with its complex, savory flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious soup:

Ingredients

• 200 grams beef (daging sapi)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper (merica) – Adjust to taste
• 7 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 1-inch piece ginger (jahe)
• 1/2-inch piece turmeric (kunyit)
• 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (serai)
• 2 cloves (cengkeh)
• A small piece of cinnamon stick (kayu manis)
• 1 beef bouillon cube (royco sapi)
• Salt (secukupnya)
• Sugar (secukupnya)
• Bean sprouts (tauge)
• Cabbage (kol)
• Celery (seledri)
• Fried shallots (bawang goreng) for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   Begin by boiling the beef in a large pot until tender. Be sure to reserve the cooking liquid, as it will be used later to enrich the soup’s flavor.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Peel and finely chop the garlic. In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend the garlic with black pepper, turmeric, salt, and sugar into a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spices:
   Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté along with the cloves, smashed ginger, and cinnamon stick until fragrant and golden brown.

4. Combine with Broth:
   Pour the reserved beef cooking liquid into the skillet with the sautéed spices. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Add Aromatics:
   Wash the bay leaves and lemongrass stalk, then add them to the simmering broth. Let the soup cook until it reaches a gentle boil.

6. Finish the Soup:
   Once the soup has boiled and the flavors have blended, it’s time to serve. Place shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, and chopped celery into bowls. Ladle the hot soup over these vegetables and garnish with fried shallots for added crunch and flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the Soto Sapi hot, allowing each person to enjoy the soup with the fresh vegetables and crispy fried shallots. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference and experiment with additional garnishes or side dishes to make this recipe your own. Enjoy the comforting taste of Soto Sapi, a true Indonesian classic that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.