Indonesian Coconut Beef Stew (Tongseng Sapi)

Simple Tongseng Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small cabbage, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 2 sprigs celery, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon Masako (seasoning powder)
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 4 cloves shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 1-inch piece of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 candlenuts (kemiri), toasted
  • 2 red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1-inch piece of galangal, smashed
• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed

Steps:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander seeds, black pepper, candlenuts, and red chilies. Blend until smooth to create a spice paste.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a little oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

3. Add Aromatics: Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, galangal, and lemongrass to the pot. Stir to combine with the spice paste and continue to cook for a few minutes.

4. Cook the Beef: Add the beef pieces to the pot. Stir to coat the meat with the spice mixture. Cook until the beef starts to brown.

5. Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Masako seasoning powder, palm sugar, and soy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Simmer and Reduce: Allow the mixture to simmer gently, uncovered, until the beef is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.

7. Add Vegetables: Add the cabbage, green onions, celery, and tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

8. Final Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt, soy sauce, or sugar if needed.

9. Serve: Once the vegetables are cooked and the stew has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or on its own for a hearty meal.

Enjoy this savory and aromatic Indonesian beef stew that’s perfect for any occasion.