Indonesian Braised Beef Liver and Meatballs (Semur Ati Sapi & Bakso)

Ingredients:

• Main Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (1/4 kg) beef liver, diced
  • 10 beef meatballs
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion

• Spice Paste:

  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 1 cm ginger
  • 1 candlenut

• Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Soy sauce (to taste)
  • Green onions (to taste)
  • 1 tomato, quartered

Steps:

1. Preparation:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the diced beef liver and a pinch of salt. Boil until the liver is tender, then drain and set aside.

2. Cooking the Spice Paste:

   • In a large pan, sauté the onion and the spice paste ingredients (pepper, salt, garlic, shallots, ginger, and candlenut) until fragrant.
   • Add the additional ingredients (lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon stick) and continue to sauté until the aroma fills the kitchen.

3. Simmering the Dish:

   • Add the carrot, boiled beef liver, and meatballs to the pan. Cook until the carrot becomes tender.
   • Pour in the soy sauce according to your taste preferences.

4. Final Touches:

   • Just before you’re ready to take the pan off the heat, add the green onions and quartered tomato. Stir gently to ensure everything is well-mixed and the tomatoes look fresh and vibrant.

5. Serving:

   • Your Semur Ati Sapi & Bakso is now ready to be served. Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian dish with steamed rice for a comforting meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, shallots, and ginger based on your taste preferences.
• Vegetables: Additional vegetables like potatoes or green beans can be added for more variety.
• Soy Sauce: The type of soy sauce (sweet or salty) can significantly influence the taste. Experiment to find your perfect balance.

This dish is a wonderful example of Indonesian comfort food, blending the robust flavors of beef liver and meatballs with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a family dinner or any special occasion where you want to showcase authentic Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy the rich, savory taste and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Indonesia!