Spicy Indonesian Beef and Tofu Soup with Bon Cabe

Spicy Tofu and Beef Soup (Sop Tahu Daging Sapi Pedas)

This Spicy Tofu and Beef Soup, or Sop Tahu Daging Sapi Pedas, is a delightful Indonesian dish that harmonizes the rich flavors of beef with the savory goodness of tofu and vegetables. The blend of spices and the addition of bon cabe—a spicy chili seasoning—create a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious soup:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kg beef, sliced according to preference
• 5 pieces of tofu, sliced according to preference
• 1 packet of mixed vegetable soup (usually containing carrots, green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, and green onions)
• 3 small chayotes, sliced according to preference
• 1 bunch of green mustard greens
• For the spice blend:
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 shallots, minced
  • 4 candlenuts, minced
  • 1 packet of ground black pepper
  • 3 teaspoons fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon beef-flavored seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon bon cabe chili seasoning (level 30)
• 600 ml water
• Vegetable oil, as needed for sautéing the spices

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Clean the beef thoroughly and place it in a pot with 600 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beef is tender.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut all the vegetables according to your preference. The mixed vegetable soup packet typically includes carrots, green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, and green onions. Slice the chayotes and green mustard greens as well.

3. Sauté the Spices: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic, shallots, and candlenuts until fragrant and golden brown. Set aside.

4. Remove Impurities: Once the beef starts to boil and produces a brownish foam, skim off the foam to ensure a clear broth.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed spice blend and prepared vegetables to the pot with beef broth. Stir well and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Add Tofu and Seasonings: Add the sliced tofu to the pot along with the salt, beef seasoning, black pepper, granulated sugar, and bon cabe chili seasoning. Stir until the seasonings are well distributed and let the soup simmer until it comes to a boil again.

7. Finish and Serve: Once the soup is boiling, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice and a sprinkle of fried shallots on top.

Enjoy this flavorful and spicy tofu and beef soup with a bowl of steaming rice. It’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds with every spoonful. Bon appétit! 😋👌