Indonesian Beef Soup (Soto Daging Sapi) with Aromatic Spices

Soto Daging Sapi, a beloved Indonesian beef soup, is celebrated for its rich, savory broth and aromatic spices. This hearty dish is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or serving as a comforting meal for family and friends. Follow this recipe to bring a touch of Indonesian flavor to your table.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 250 grams of beef (super quality), cut into cubes
• 1500 ml water
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 beef bouillon cube (Maggi)
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste

For the Ground Spice Blend:

• 7 cloves garlic
• 3 candlenuts
• 1/2 inch galangal
• 1/2 inch ginger
• 1 inch turmeric
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• Sambal (Indonesian chili paste)
• Boiled bean sprouts
• Boiled vermicelli noodles
• Chopped fresh celery leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Fried shallots
• Tempeh or tofu (fried, optional)
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Broth:

   • In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the beef cubes, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and a pinch of salt. Simmer until the beef is tender, which should take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

2. Cook the Spice Blend:

   • While the beef is cooking, prepare the ground spice blend. In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the garlic, candlenuts, galangal, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper into a smooth paste. This mixture will add depth and complexity to your soup.

3. Sauté the Spice Blend:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice blend and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate. Add the sliced onion and cook for a few more minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. Turn off the heat.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the beef is tender, add the sautéed spice blend to the pot along with the beef bouillon cube. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar to taste. Add the chopped spring onions and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Once you are satisfied with the flavor, turn off the heat.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the hot Soto Daging Sapi into bowls. Serve with a variety of accompaniments such as sambal, boiled bean sprouts, boiled vermicelli noodles, chopped celery leaves, sliced tomatoes, fried shallots, and fried tempeh or tofu, if using. Offer sweet soy sauce and lime wedges on the side for additional flavor adjustments.

Enjoy your Soto Daging Sapi with your favorite garnishes and sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!