Spicy Indonesian Beef Stew (Tongcon/Tongseng Sapi Mercon)

Ingredients

• 200 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 medium cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Seasoning, to taste
• 15-20 bird’s eye chilies, coarsely chopped
• 750 ml water

For the Spice Paste:

• 6 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised lemongrass. Continue to sauté until aromatic.

4. Add Water:

   • Pour in the water and bring to a boil.

5. Season the Broth:

   • Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, black pepper, and seasoning. Stir well and let it boil.

6. Cook the Beef:

   • Add the beef pieces to the pot. Cook until the beef is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.

7. Add Vegetables:

   • Stir in the bird’s eye chilies, cabbage, and tomato. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

8. Simmer:

   • Cook until the cabbage is wilted and tender.

9. Serve:

   • Enjoy your Tongcon hot and serve with steamed rice.

Enjoy your flavorful Tongcon (Tongseng Sapi Mercon)!