Hearty Indonesian Beef Rib Soup (Sup Iga Sapi) with Fresh Vegetables and Spicy Sambal

Sup Iga Sapi (Beef Rib Soup)

This rich and flavorful Indonesian beef rib soup, or Sup Iga Sapi, combines tender beef ribs with a savory broth, hearty vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Perfectly complemented by sambal, crispy emping melinjo, and a squeeze of fresh lime, this comforting dish is ideal for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef ribs: Soaked in water
• 2 large carrots: Peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2-3 large potatoes: Peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 ripe tomato: Cut into wedges
• 2 whole nutmegs: Cracked into halves
• 2 stalks green onions: Sliced into 1 cm pieces
• 2-3 stalks celery: Sliced into 1 cm pieces
• 2-3 teaspoons chicken or mushroom bouillon powder
• 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• 10 black or white peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons fried shallots

For Serving:

• Sambal: Homemade green chili sambal made with shallots, garlic, large green chilies, small green chilies, and green tomatoes
• Steamed white rice
• Fried emping melinjo: Crispy melinjo crackers
• Fried shallots
• Sweet soy sauce
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Ribs:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the beef ribs. Cook with peppercorns and a pinch of salt until the beef is nearly tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
   • Drain the beef, discard excess fat, and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Remove any floating fat from the broth and discard the peppercorns.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Return the beef pieces to the pot. Add the potatoes and carrots. Pour in additional water if needed to cover the ingredients.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

3. Season the Soup:

   • Season with salt, sugar, black pepper, and bouillon powder. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
   • Continue to simmer until the vegetables and beef are tender.

4. Finish the Soup:

   • Add the tomato wedges and cook for a few more minutes until the tomato softens.
   • Stir in the green onions, celery, and fried shallots. Turn off the heat.

5. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
   • Accompany with steamed white rice, sambal, fried emping melinjo, fried shallots, sweet soy sauce, and lime wedges.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious Sup Iga Sapi as a fulfilling meal that’s sure to warm the soul and satisfy the taste buds.