Indonesian Beef Brisket Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Aromatic Spices

Soto Tetelan Daging Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kg beef brisket, cut into small pieces
• 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced
• A small handful of bean sprouts
• 1 small package of rice noodles or vermicelli
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges
• 2-3 stalks of green onions, chopped
• Fried shallots, for garnish
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 segment of galangal, smashed
• Salt, to taste
• Seasoning or flavor enhancer, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Cooking oil, as needed
• Water, as needed

For the Spice Paste:

• 4 roasted candlenuts
• 2 segments of turmeric
• 1 segment of ginger
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 6 shallots
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, garlic, shallots, salt, and ground coriander. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Incorporate the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and smashed galangal into the pot with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook the Beef:

   • Add the beef brisket pieces to the pot. Stir to coat the meat with the spice mixture. Let it cook for a few minutes to seal in the flavors.

5. Simmer the Soup:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the beef is tender and fully cooked, adjusting the seasoning with salt and flavor enhancer to taste.

6. Prepare the Soup Garnishes:

   • While the beef cooks, prepare the accompaniments. Soak the rice noodles or vermicelli in hot water according to package instructions until soft. Drain and set aside.
   • Blanch the sliced cabbage and bean sprouts briefly in hot water, then drain.
   • Cut the tomato into wedges and chop the green onions.

7. Assemble the Soto:

   • To serve, place a portion of the softened rice noodles or vermicelli into each bowl. Top with a handful of blanched cabbage, bean sprouts, and tomato wedges.
   • Ladle the hot beef broth with pieces of beef over the prepared ingredients in each bowl.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   • Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a generous amount of fried shallots for added crunch and flavor. Serve the Soto Tetelan while hot for the best experience.

Enjoy this traditional Indonesian beef soup, which is perfect for warming up on a cool day or serving at family gatherings. The rich and aromatic broth, combined with tender beef and fresh vegetables, makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.