Spicy Indonesian Beef Krengsengan

Krengsengan Sapi is a mouthwatering Indonesian beef dish that combines aromatic spices with tender beef, creating a robust and satisfying meal. This recipe highlights the rich flavors of traditional Indonesian ingredients, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Follow these steps to prepare a delicious Krengsengan Sapi that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Indonesia.

Ingredients

• 500 grams (1/2 kg) beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste, sliced or left whole)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 piece of galangal (sliced)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (bruised and tied into a knot)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)
• 1 tomato (cut into wedges)
• 1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar
• Salt (to taste)

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 candlenuts
• 6 curly red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by making the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, candlenuts, curly red chilies, and black pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:
   Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sliced bird’s eye chilies. Sauté the mixture until fragrant and the paste begins to darken, indicating that the spices are well-cooked and aromatic.

3. Add Aromatics:
   Stir in the bay leaves, torn kaffir lime leaves, sliced galangal, and bruised lemongrass. Cook for a few more minutes until the aromatics are well-integrated into the spice paste.

4. Cook the Beef:
   Add the beef pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the beef with the spice mixture. Continue cooking until the beef starts to brown.

5. Simmer:
   Pour in enough water to cover the beef and add the sweet soy sauce. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce.

6. Add Tomato and Season:
   Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, add the tomato wedges. Continue cooking until the tomatoes are soft and have melded into the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and palm sugar to taste.

7. Serve:
   Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve the Krengsengan Sapi hot, ideally with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Enjoy this delightful Indonesian dish that captures the essence of traditional cooking with every bite. Krengsengan Sapi is perfect for a family meal or special occasion, offering a taste of Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage.