Savory Indonesian Beef Stew with Coconut Milk

Kalio Daging Sapi: A Rich and Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew

Kalio Daging Sapi, an aromatic Indonesian beef stew, is known for its deep, savory flavors and tender meat. This dish, often served with warm rice, combines a fragrant blend of spices with the richness of coconut milk, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
• 1 coconut, grated (to yield fresh coconut milk)
• 1 beef bouillon cube (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Water, as needed
• 1 turmeric leaf, torn into pieces
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 3 cloves

For the Spice Paste:

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of galangal, peeled
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric, peeled
• 10 shallots, peeled
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 candlenut
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted

Steps:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Peel and clean the ginger, galangal, turmeric, shallots, garlic, and candlenut.
   • Blend these ingredients together with the toasted coriander seeds until you achieve a smooth paste. You may need to add a bit of water to facilitate blending.

2. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:

   • Wash the beef pieces thoroughly and drain.
   • Peel and cut the potatoes into halves.

3. Extract the Coconut Milk:

   • Grate the coconut and extract the milk by squeezing it with water. Repeat the process two more times to get a rich and thick coconut milk.

4. Cook the Stew:

   • Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.
   • Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Add the turmeric leaf, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and cloves.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. Add the Meat:

   • Add the beef pieces to the simmering mixture. Cook until the meat is tender, which should take about 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

6. Add the Potatoes:

   • When the beef is nearly tender, add the potato halves to the pot. Continue to simmer until both the meat and potatoes are fully cooked and tender.

7. Season the Stew:

   • Season with salt to taste and add the beef bouillon cube if using. Stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed.

8. Final Touches:

   • Once the beef and potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened to your liking, remove from heat.

9. Serve:

   • Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful Kalio Daging Sapi, a true delight for your taste buds.

Kalio Daging Sapi is best enjoyed fresh, paired with a bowl of warm rice to soak up the luscious sauce. This dish promises a satisfying and heartwarming meal that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine.