Indonesian Beef Meatballs in Creamy Coconut Sauce

Terik Bola Sapi: A Rich and Flavorful Indonesian Beef Dish

Ingredients:

• 300 grams of minced beef
• 3-4 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 packet of chicken or mushroom powder
• 2-3 boiled quail eggs, peeled
• 2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced, then fried until half-cooked
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 2 slices of galangal, bruised
• 30 grams of palm sugar (adjust according to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons of chicken or mushroom powder
• 1 coconut, extracted to make 1 liter of coconut milk

Ground Spices:

• 8 shallots
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of roasted coriander seeds
• 4 candlenuts, roasted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the minced beef with the egg, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of chicken or mushroom powder, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and fry the meatballs until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

2. Cook the Spices: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the ground spices along with the galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Cook until fragrant and the spices are well blended.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the fried meatballs, boiled quail eggs, and half-cooked potatoes to the pan. Stir to mix well.

4. Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Let it cook until the mixture begins to bubble gently.

5. Season the Dish: Season with palm sugar, salt, pepper, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of chicken or mushroom powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

6. Simmer: Allow the dish to cook until the flavors meld together, and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating.

7. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are well infused with the flavors, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice for a comforting meal.

Notes:

• The sweetness of the palm sugar balances the savory flavors of the dish, but adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Ensure that the coconut milk does not boil too vigorously to avoid curdling. Stirring occasionally helps maintain a smooth consistency.

Enjoy your Terik Bola Sapi—a rich and delightful Indonesian beef dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite!