Indonesian Beef Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef tenderloin, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 boiled potato, diced
• Boiled quail eggs, as needed
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
• 200 ml coconut milk
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 6 shallots
  • 3 candlenuts, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Sugar to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the minced beef with salt and pepper. Add the breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into small balls.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend garlic, shallots, candlenuts, coriander seeds, and palm sugar into a smooth paste. Set aside.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant and golden brown.

4. Add Aromatics: Add the bruised lemongrass, bay leaf, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Cook for another minute to release their flavors.

5. Cook the Meatballs: Gently add the beef meatballs to the pan. Stir to coat the meatballs with the spice mixture.

6. Simmer: Pour in a small amount of water and coconut milk. Add the diced potato and quail eggs. Season with salt and sugar to taste.

7. Finish Cooking: Simmer the mixture over low heat until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.

8. Serve: Once cooked, adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Indonesian dish, perfect for a comforting meal!