Indonesian Beef Stew with Coconut and Spices

Tongseng Sapi ala ArKitchen: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef, cut into small pieces
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 head of cabbage, chopped
• 3 baby bell peppers, sliced
• 1/2 finger-length turmeric, peeled and chopped
• 6 shallots, peeled
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 nutmeg, grated
• 1 candlenut
• 1 finger-length ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 finger-length galangal, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 350 ml fresh coconut milk
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, turmeric, candlenut, ginger, galangal, and nutmeg into a smooth paste. This mixture will form the aromatic base of your dish.

2. Prep the Vegetables and Meat:
   Dice the beef into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cabbage into chunks, dice the tomato, and slice the baby bell peppers.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the bay leaf. Sauté until the paste becomes fragrant and begins to caramelize.

4. Cook the Beef:
   Add the diced beef to the pot and stir well to coat the meat with the spice mixture. Pour in a small amount of water and allow the beef to cook until it is tender and the liquid has reduced somewhat.

5. Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings:
   Pour in the fresh coconut milk, and add the black pepper and sweet soy sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

6. Incorporate Vegetables:
   Once the stew is boiling, add the chopped cabbage, diced tomato, and sliced baby bell peppers. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

7. Season to Taste:
   Adjust the seasoning by adding salt, sugar, and additional seasoning as needed. Taste and tweak the flavors to your preference.

8. Serve:
   Once the stew has thickened and the flavors are balanced, remove it from the heat. Serve the Tongseng Sapi hot, enjoying it with steamed rice or as a standalone dish.

This Tongseng Sapi, or Indonesian Beef Stew, from ArKitchen is a delightful and hearty dish that brings a taste of Indonesia to your table. The rich blend of spices and the creamy coconut milk create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!