Indonesian Spiced Beef Soup with Tender Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef (cut into chunks, can use oxtail or ribs)
• 3 potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 stalk celery (chopped)
• 1 stalk green onion (chopped)
• 5 shallots (crushed)
• 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 cm ginger (crushed)
• 1 whole nutmeg
• 2 star anise
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Flavor enhancer (optional)
• Fried shallots for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by peeling and thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Prepare a large pot of water and bring it to a boil.

2. Blanching Beef: Once the water is boiling, add the beef chunks into the pot. Let it cook for a few minutes, then remove the beef. This step helps to remove impurities and excess fat from the meat.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the crushed shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and golden brown. Remove from heat and add these to the pot with the beef.

4. Adding Spices: Add the crushed ginger, nutmeg, star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, ground black pepper, salt, and optional flavor enhancer to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

5. Simmer: Return the beef to the pot and let it simmer until the meat becomes tender, adjusting the cooking time based on your preference for meat tenderness.

6. Vegetable Addition: Once the beef is tender, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender.

7. Final Touches: When the vegetables are cooked through, add the chopped celery and green onions. Cook for just a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Taste and Serve: Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fried shallots for added crunch and flavor.

Enjoy this rich and aromatic Indonesian beef soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion! 🌟