Heavenly Indonesian Beef Short Rib Soup

Delicious Beef Short Rib Soup (Sop Iga Sapi Enaaak) Recipe

Savor the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this comforting and hearty Beef Short Rib Soup. Known for its deep, savory taste and satisfying texture, this recipe is perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef short ribs, cleaned and drained
• For initial boiling:
  • Enough water to cover the ribs
• 2 liters water (for the main cooking)
• 2 carrots, cut into your preferred shape
• 2 potatoes, cut into your preferred shape
• 1 medium onion, diced into large cubes
• 1 stick cinnamon, approximately 3 cm
• 4 cloves
• 3 cardamom pods, seeds removed
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Chicken or beef bouillon powder, to taste (use MSG-free if preferred)
• Margarine, for sautéing

For the Spice Paste:

• 7 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 small nutmeg

Accompaniments:

• Emping melinjo (crackers)
• Celery, for garnish
• Fried shallots, for garnish
• Lime, for serving
• Bird’s eye chili, for added heat

Instructions

1. Initial Boiling:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the beef short ribs and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the ribs, drain them, and discard the water. This step helps to remove impurities, blood, and excess fat from the ribs, resulting in a cleaner broth.

2. Main Cooking:

   • In a large pot, combine the cleaned beef short ribs with 2 liters of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 35 minutes. Once done, set the ribs aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a skillet, melt margarine over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until fragrant and caramelized on the edges. Add the garlic, black peppercorns, and nutmeg, continuing to sauté until the spices are well combined and fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Transfer the sautéed spice mixture into the pot with the beef ribs. Stir well to combine. If the water level is low, add more water as needed. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Season with salt, sugar, and bouillon powder. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well melded.

5. Final Touches:

   • Once the vegetables are cooked and the soup is well-seasoned, stir in the chopped green onions. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Turn off the heat.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the soup hot, accompanied by rice and your choice of side dishes. Garnish with celery, fried shallots, a squeeze of lime, and bird’s eye chili if desired. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish with your loved ones.

This Beef Short Rib Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. The combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty vegetables creates a delicious and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.