East Javanese Beef Rawon: A Savory Indonesian Stew

Rawon Daging Sapi: A Flavorful Beef Stew from East Java

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef with fat (250 grams of fatty cuts, 250 grams of lean meat)
• Spice Paste:
  • 4 kluwek (Pangium edule), cracked open to extract the flesh
  • 10 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 candlenuts
  • A piece of ginger
  • A piece of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Additional Spices:
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 lemongrass stalks
  • A piece of galangal
  • A stick of cinnamon
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 10 whole bird’s eye chilies
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
• For Garnish:
  • Bean sprouts
  • Fried shallots
  • Crackers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, shallots, garlic, ginger, and turmeric in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned. Once toasted, grind these ingredients together with the kluwek flesh into a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Continue to cook until the spices are well incorporated and fragrant.

3. Add the Beef: Pour in a small amount of water to deglaze the pot, then add the beef. Stir to coat the beef with the spice mixture. Add additional water to cover the beef and bring to a boil.

4. Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the beef is tender, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beef covered.

5. Finish the Dish: Once the beef is tender, add the whole bird’s eye chilies, sugar, and salt to taste. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve: Ladle the rawon into bowls and garnish with bean sprouts, fried shallots, and a side of crackers. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional East Javanese beef stew!

Tips:

• Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies based on your spice preference.
• Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy making this aromatic and hearty Rawon Daging Sapi, a beloved dish from East Java that promises to warm you up and delight your taste buds.