Indonesian Spiced Beef Stew with Coconut Milk

Savor the Rich Flavors of Indonesian Beef Stew

Discover a delightful blend of aromatic spices and tender beef with this Indonesian-inspired beef stew. Known for its deep, rich flavors and fragrant aroma, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to explore the diverse world of Indonesian cuisine. Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb beef, cut into cubes
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 1 handful dried red chilies, soaked and softened
  • 7 shallots
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 candlenuts
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Coriander to taste
  • A small piece of ginger
  • 2 candlenuts
  • 1 slice nutmeg
  • 1 cardamom pod
• For the Garnish and Flavoring:
  • 1 cup coconut milk (from 1 small coconut)
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • A small piece of galangal, bruised
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Start by washing the beef cubes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   Blend the dried red chilies, shallots, garlic cloves, candlenuts, black pepper, coriander, ginger, additional candlenuts, nutmeg, and cardamom pod into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a blender to achieve this.

3. Combine and Cook:
   Place the beef cubes in a large pot and add the spice paste directly onto the meat. There’s no need to add water at this stage. Mix the beef and spice paste thoroughly using your hands to ensure the meat is well-coated with the spices.

4. Season:
   Crumble in the beef bouillon cube, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

5. Add Coconut Milk and Aromatics:
   Pour in the coconut milk, and add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, bruised lemongrass, and bruised galangal. Stir everything to combine.

6. Simmer:
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cook until the beef is tender, which should take approximately 1 hour. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

7. Finish and Serve:
   Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Discard the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal pieces. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs or fried shallots if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty beef stew pairs beautifully with steamed rice, warm bread, or even noodles. The rich coconut milk sauce and complex spice blend make it a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

Enjoy the taste of Indonesia with every comforting bite!