Authentic Indonesian Tongseng Sapi: Savory Beef Stew with Coconut and Spices

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef (cut against the grain)
• Cornstarch or tapioca flour (as needed)
• 5 large cabbage leaves (coarsely chopped)
• 5 green tomatoes (diced)
• 100 ml thick coconut milk (instant)
• 1500 ml water
• 10 red bird’s eye chilies (whole, to taste)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (smashed)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (smashed)
• 6 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 6 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (to taste)
• 1 small stick of cinnamon (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Granulated sugar (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• Mushroom broth powder (to taste)

Spice Paste:

• 12 shallots
• 7 cloves garlic
• 10 red curly chilies
• 4 candlenuts
• 4 teaspoons coriander
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Cut the beef against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly and coat with cornstarch or tapioca flour. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse off the excess flour.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste ingredients (shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, candlenuts, coriander, and turmeric) until fragrant.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and lemongrass to the pot. Continue to sauté until the mixture is aromatic.

4. Brown the Beef:

   • Add the prepared beef to the pot. Stir frequently until the meat starts to brown.

5. Simmer:

   • Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the coconut milk, whole red chilies, sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and mushroom broth powder. Stir well to combine.

6. Cook the Beef:

   • Allow the stew to simmer until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Add Vegetables:

   • About 10 minutes before the stew is done, add the chopped cabbage and diced green tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.

8. Serve:

   • Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded, serve the Tongseng Sapi hot. Garnish with crispy fried shallots for extra flavor.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Indonesian beef stew, perfect for a comforting meal.