Indonesian Oxtail Soup: Flavorful Sop Buntut Sapi Recipe

Sop Buntut Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Oxtail Soup

Discover the rich and savory flavors of Sop Buntut Sapi, a traditional Indonesian oxtail soup that combines tender meat with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This comforting soup is perfect for a hearty meal and is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and delightful aroma. Follow these steps to create a bowl of this delicious dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of oxtail (buntut sapi)
• 1 liter of water
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges

For the Spice Paste:

• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 shallots
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• A pinch of ground nutmeg

For the Additional Spices:

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves

Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Chopped celery leaves
• Fried shallots
• Lime wedges (to taste)
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oxtail:

   • Begin by boiling the oxtail in 1 liter of water until it becomes tender. This process usually takes about 1-2 hours. You can use a pressure cooker to speed up the process if you prefer.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While the oxtail is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend together the garlic, shallots, ground pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves, continuing to sauté for a few more minutes.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Pour the boiling water from the oxtail into the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Allow it to come to a slight boil, then add the tender oxtail pieces back into the pan.

5. Add Vegetables:

   • Incorporate the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and tomato wedges into the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, usually around 10-15 minutes.

6. Season the Soup:

   • Season the soup with salt, sugar, and a flavor enhancer of your choice (such as a dash of MSG, if desired). For an extra layer of flavor, add a small amount of sweet soy sauce—about half a teaspoon.

7. Final Touches:

   • Once the soup is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, stir in the chopped green onions, celery leaves, and fried shallots. These fresh garnishes will add a delightful crunch and fresh taste to your soup.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the Sop Buntut Sapi hot. Offer lime wedges and additional sweet soy sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl to their liking.

Enjoy the robust and comforting flavors of this traditional Indonesian oxtail soup. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, Sop Buntut Sapi is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!