Hearty Indonesian Beef Ribs Soup (Sop Iga Sapi)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg beef ribs (or bones with meat)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1/2 nutmeg, grated
• 3 cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Beef bouillon powder, to taste
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• Water, as needed for boiling

For Serving:

• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• Fried shallots
• Sambal (chili paste), to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Ribs:
   Begin by boiling the beef ribs in a pot of water until they become tender. If you notice any dark foam or impurities rising to the surface, skim them off and discard. This step helps to ensure a cleaner and clearer broth.

2. Adjust the Liquid:
   If the water level decreases significantly during boiling, add more water to the pot according to your preference. Once the beef ribs are tender, add the carrots and potatoes.

3. Season the Soup:
   When the carrots and potatoes are halfway cooked, introduce the finely chopped garlic, cardamom pods, cloves, and grated nutmeg into the pot. Season the soup with salt, ground black pepper, and beef bouillon powder. Stir well and taste the broth, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

4. Finish the Soup:
   Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well balanced, turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped green onions and celery. The residual heat will gently cook the herbs, infusing the soup with fresh flavor.

5. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with sliced tomatoes and fried shallots. Offer sambal on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Sop Iga Sapi, a delightful beef ribs soup that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or simply enjoying with family and friends!