Tongseng Iga Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Rib Stew
Tongseng Iga Sapi is a traditional Indonesian dish renowned for its rich, savory flavor and aromatic spices. This hearty beef rib stew is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Below is a detailed recipe that guides you through the preparation of this delightful dish, including the essential steps and ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Beef Ribs: 500 grams, cut into pieces
- Spice Paste (Blended):
- 5 shallots
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 piece of turmeric (approximately 1 inch)
- 1 piece of ginger (approximately 1 inch)
- 2 candlenuts
- 2 pieces of galangal (sliced)
- Red chili peppers to taste (adjust based on your heat preference)
- Additional Ingredients:
- 3 stalks of lemongrass (crushed)
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons of Kara coconut milk
- Cabbage (or any preferred cabbage), cut into pieces
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 scallions (chopped)
- Whole red chilies for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Blend all the spices that need to be ground together. Use a small amount of cooking oil to facilitate the blending process until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a pan with a little oil and sauté the blended spice paste until it is cooked and turns golden brown. Add the crushed lemongrass and bay leaves, and continue cooking until fragrant.
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Add the Beef Ribs:
- Introduce the beef ribs to the pan, stirring them well to ensure the meat is coated with the spice paste. Cook until the fat from the meat begins to render out.
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Simmer the Stew:
- Pour in enough water to cover the beef ribs and add the Kara coconut milk. Cover the pan and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender. This should take about 30 minutes.
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Season the Stew:
- Season the stew with sugar, salt, and a seasoning mix to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed.
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Add Vegetables:
- Incorporate the cabbage, chopped tomatoes, scallions, and whole red chilies into the pan. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables are tender.
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Serve:
- Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Tongseng Iga Sapi hot, garnished with additional whole red chilies if desired.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
- Adjust the level of chili based on your heat preference to make the dish as spicy or mild as you like.
Enjoy the rich and aromatic Tongseng Iga Sapi with steamed rice or as a comforting standalone meal. This dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dining experience!
