Indonesian Spicy Beef Stew with Coconut Milk

Tongseng Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew

Tongseng Sapi is a traditional Indonesian beef stew that marries rich, aromatic spices with tender beef, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. This recipe highlights a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, with optional coconut milk to enhance the dish’s richness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delectable dish:

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
• 5 large cabbage leaves, cut into thick strips
• 1 stalk scallion, sliced diagonally
• 10 bird’s eye chilies, left whole

For the Spice Paste:

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• 4 cloves garlic
• 6 shallots
• 4 red curly chilies
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 candlenuts, toasted
• 1 thumb-sized piece turmeric, roasted

Other Spices:

• 1 thumb-sized piece cinnamon stick
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 cloves
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1/2 thumb-sized piece galangal
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised

Additional Ingredients:

• Coconut milk (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Begin by marinating the beef pieces with salt and ginger. Let them sit for about an hour to absorb the flavors.

2. Pre-cook the Beef:
   In a pot, briefly boil the marinated beef. Reserve the broth for later use.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:
   Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Add the prepared spice paste ingredients: garlic, shallots, red curly chilies, toasted coriander seeds, black pepper, toasted candlenuts, and roasted turmeric. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant.

4. Add the Whole Spices:
   To the pan with the spice paste, add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, cloves, cardamom pod, galangal, and bruised lemongrass. Continue to sauté until the aroma is released.

5. Combine Ingredients:
   Incorporate the beef into the pan with the spice mixture. Stir to ensure the beef is well-coated with the spices. Pour in the reserved beef broth and add the sweet soy sauce and salt. Stir well and let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces and the beef absorbs the flavors.

6. Add More Broth and Vegetables:
   Once the spices have infused the beef and the liquid has reduced, add additional beef broth as needed. Then, add the whole bird’s eye chilies, and a little coconut milk if desired for a richer flavor. Allow the stew to reach a gentle boil.

7. Final Touches:
   Add the tomato wedges, cabbage strips, and sliced scallion to the stew. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar as needed.

8. Serve:
   Once the dish is ready and the flavors are balanced, serve the Tongseng Sapi hot, garnished with extra scallions if desired. Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian beef stew with steamed rice or bread.

This Tongseng Sapi recipe brings together a wonderful mix of spices and ingredients, offering a delightful taste of Indonesian cuisine. The optional coconut milk adds a creamy depth, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.