Indonesian Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Herbs and Chilies

Indonesian Spiced Beef Stew (Pindang Daging Sapi)

This traditional Indonesian dish, known as Pindang Daging Sapi, is a flavorful and aromatic beef stew that combines a harmonious blend of spices and herbs. The stew is slow-cooked until the beef is tender and infused with rich, spicy flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and slightly tangy notes.

Ingredients

• Beef: 1/2 kg (cut into chunks)
• Water: Enough to cover the beef

For the Spice Paste:

• 10 red chilies
• 7 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 10 shallots
• 7 garlic cloves
• 1 index finger-sized piece of turmeric (or 1 tsp ground turmeric)
• 1 (3 cm) piece of ginger
• A pinch of shrimp paste (terasi)

For Crushing:

• 3 or 4 stalks of lemongrass
• 1 piece of galangal

For Garnishing and Flavoring:

• 1 large tomato, cut into wedges
• Bay leaves (daun salam)
• Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• Tamarind paste (asam jawa)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Optional: Flavor enhancer (like MSG)
• Oil for sautéing
• 1 or 2 red onions, coarsely sliced
• Fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi) (optional)
• Long beans (kacang panjang) (optional)

Steps

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Begin by boiling the beef chunks in a pot of water until they are partially tender. This initial cooking stage helps to tenderize the meat and prepare it for the rich flavors of the stew.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   While the beef is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste. This step is crucial for developing the deep, aromatic flavors of the stew.

4. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the sautéed spice paste to the pot of partially cooked beef. Stir well to combine the spices with the meat and continue to cook.

5. Add Aromatics:
   To enhance the flavor, add the crushed lemongrass and galangal to the pot. Also, include the tomato wedges, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. These ingredients contribute to the stew’s complex and vibrant taste.

6. Season the Stew:
   Add tamarind paste to introduce a tangy note, along with sugar and salt to balance the flavors. If desired, include a flavor enhancer like MSG to enhance the umami taste.

7. Simmer Until Tender:
   Continue to simmer the stew until the beef is fully tender and has absorbed the flavors of the spices. This may take some time, so be patient and ensure the meat is cooked to your desired tenderness.

8. Final Touches:
   Once the beef is tender, adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, add fresh basil leaves and long beans to the stew for added texture and flavor. Allow the stew to simmer briefly until the additional ingredients are cooked.

9. Serve:
   Serve the Pindang Daging Sapi hot in bowls. For a final touch, sprinkle some fried shallots on top to add a crispy, aromatic element.

This Indonesian Spiced Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its rich and aromatic profile makes it a memorable addition to any meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and tender beef that define this traditional recipe!