Indonesian Beef Stew: Savory Tongseng Sapi with Coconut Milk

Tongseng Sapi Recipe: A Savory Indonesian Beef Stew

Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Tongseng Sapi, a traditional beef stew that combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of spices and fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore the vibrant tastes of Indonesia from the comfort of their own kitchen. Follow these steps to create a hearty and satisfying meal that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams beef (cubed)
• 1 ripe tomato (diced)
• Cabbage (shredded)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 piece ginger (crushed)
• 1/2 packet Tempe seasoning mix (such as Indofood)
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)
• 125 ml thick coconut milk (Kara brand recommended)
• Salt and sugar (to taste)

For the Spice Paste:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 3 candlenuts
• 1 tablespoon roasted coriander seeds
• 5 red curly chilies
• 3 red bird’s eye chilies

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Begin by cleaning the beef thoroughly and placing it in a pot with enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, then discard the water. Refill the pot with fresh water, add a whole nutmeg, and bring it to a boil again. Simmer until the beef is tender. Once done, remove the beef, cut it into bite-sized cubes, and set aside. Reserve the beef broth as it will be used for the soup base.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend together garlic, shallots, candlenuts, roasted coriander seeds, red curly chilies, and bird’s eye chilies until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Clean and cut the cabbage into strips, dice the tomato, and slice the green onions. Set all the vegetables aside for later use.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Introduce the crushed lemongrass, crushed ginger, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, diced tomato, and 1/2 packet of Tempe seasoning mix. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spices are well combined.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour the reserved beef broth into the pan with the spice mixture. If the broth is insufficient, you can add additional water. Bring to a simmer. Add the shredded cabbage and cubed beef. Season with salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce to taste. Stir well and let it simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Finish the Dish:

   • Once the dish has reached the desired flavor balance, add the sliced green onions. Stir in the thick coconut milk and cook until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

7. Serve:

   • Your Tongseng Sapi is now ready to be served. Enjoy this savory stew with a side of steamed white rice, crispy crackers, and crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

Embrace the warm, comforting essence of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable Tongseng Sapi. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish offers a wonderful blend of spices and ingredients that will transport you straight to the heart of Indonesia. Enjoy every savory bite and relish the rich flavors of this traditional stew.