Gulai Cincang Sapi: A Rich Indonesian Beef Curry
Ingredients
- 500 grams beef (with some fat or trimmings)
- 2 potatoes
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 1 piece galangal, bruised
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 star anise
- 2 cardamom pods
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 8 red chilies
- 8 shallots
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 piece ginger
- 3 candlenuts
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 nutmeg
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 small packet coconut cream (Sun Kara)
- 2.5 cups water
- Cooking oil as needed
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes, ensuring to include some fat for extra flavor. Wash the beef thoroughly and then boil until cooked. Drain and set aside. Cut the potatoes into six pieces each.
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Make the Spice Paste: Using a mortar and pestle or a blender, grind the shallots, garlic, red chilies, ginger, candlenuts, coriander seeds, nutmeg, and cumin seeds into a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spices: Heat some cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Continue to cook until the aroma is fully released.
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Combine and Cook: Add the potatoes and beef to the pan, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Pour in the water, star anise, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer with Coconut Milk: Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the coconut cream. Stir gently to prevent the coconut milk from curdling. Season with salt and sugar. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened, and the oil starts to separate from the coconut milk.
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Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender, and the curry has a rich, creamy consistency with the oil rising to the surface.
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Serve: Serve your Gulai Cincang Sapi hot, with steamed rice on the side. Enjoy the robust flavors and aromatic spices of this traditional Indonesian dish.
Tips for Perfecting Your Gulai Cincang Sapi
- Choosing Beef: Opt for cuts that have some fat or use beef trimmings to enhance the dish’s richness.
- Blending Spices: Ensure the spice paste is smooth to create a cohesive and well-balanced curry base.
- Cooking Time: Allow enough time for the curry to simmer, as this helps the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad to balance the rich flavors.
Gulai Cincang Sapi is a delightful curry that brings the taste of Indonesia right to your kitchen. Its deep, aromatic spices combined with tender beef and creamy coconut milk create a dish that is both comforting and exotic. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Enjoy every bite and let the flavors transport you to the vibrant culinary world of Indonesia!
