Hearty Indonesian Beef Bone Soup (Sop Balungan Sapi)

Beef Bone Soup (Sop Balungan Sapi)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg beef bones
• Water (as needed)
• Ground Spices:
  • 3 candlenuts
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 shallot
  • 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 cm ginger, crushed
• Cooking oil (for sautéing)
• Toppings:
  • Fried shallots
  • Sambal (chili sauce)
  • Chopped green onions
  • Celery leaves
  • Lime wedges
  • Tomato slices

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bones:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the beef bones. Place them in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then discard the scum that forms on the surface. This step helps to ensure a clear broth.

2. Sauté the Spices:
   In a separate pan, heat a small amount of cooking oil. Sauté the ground spices—candlenuts, garlic, shallot, black pepper, and ginger—until fragrant and lightly browned. Add the kaffir lime leaves for added aroma.

3. Combine and Simmer:
   Transfer the sautéed spices into the pot with the beef bones. Let the mixture simmer gently until the beef bones are tender and the flavors are well integrated. This may take some time, so be patient for the best results.

4. Season the Soup:
   Once the beef is tender, add tomato slices, sugar, salt, and stock or bouillon to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. For an added touch, you can sprinkle a bit of chopped green onions and fried shallots into the soup.

5. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fried shallots, green onions, celery leaves, and a side of sambal. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh, tangy kick.

Enjoy your homemade beef bone soup with its rich, comforting flavors and aromatic toppings!