Sayur Asem Iga Sapi: A Traditional Indonesian Delight
Indulge in the rich, tangy flavors of Sayur Asem Iga Sapi, a classic Indonesian soup that combines tender beef ribs with an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. This dish is not only hearty but also bursting with the vibrant tastes of traditional Indonesian cuisine. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 5 pieces of beef ribs
Vegetable Mix:
- 1 sweet corn cob, cut into chunks
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1/2 piece of young pumpkin (labu siam), cubed
- 1/8 young jackfruit, sliced
- 4 long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 handful of melinjo (young nuts)
- 1 handful of peeled peanuts
- Fresh bay leaves, to taste
Spices:
- Tamarind paste (asem jawa)
- 6 shallots, peeled
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 2 red chilies, deseeded for less heat
- 1/2 piece shrimp paste (terasi)
- Palm sugar, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Steps to Prepare
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Boil the Beef Ribs: Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the beef ribs. Let them simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This initial boiling helps to remove impurities and excess fat from the meat.
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Second Boil: After the initial boiling, discard the water and refill the pot with fresh water. Return the beef ribs to the pot and bring to a boil again. This step ensures that the meat is tender and the broth is clean.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the ribs are boiling for the second time, prepare the vegetables. Cut the sweet corn, carrot, eggplant, pumpkin, jackfruit, and long beans. Set them aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or blender, grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, red chilies, shrimp paste, and palm sugar into a smooth paste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the chilies and shrimp paste, and prepare a separate sambal terasi.
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Combine Spices and Vegetables: Once the beef ribs are tender, add the tamarind paste, peanuts, young jackfruit, and sweet corn to the pot. Stir well. Add the ground spice paste, mixing thoroughly, and season with salt and palm sugar to taste.
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Add the Vegetables: When the beef is tender, add the long beans, carrot, and pumpkin cubes. Let them cook for about 3 minutes before adding the eggplant and bay leaves. Continue to simmer until all the vegetables are tender, ensuring they are well-cooked but still hold their shape.
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Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Wait until all the vegetables are perfectly cooked, then your Sayur Asem Iga Sapi is ready to be served. The rich, tangy broth with tender beef ribs and fresh vegetables will surely delight your taste buds.
Serving Suggestion
Serve this delightful dish hot, garnished with fresh bay leaves for an aromatic touch. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Sayur Asem Iga Sapi, a true testament to the heart of Indonesian cuisine.
Bring the warmth of Indonesian flavors to your table with this easy-to-follow recipe. Share your version with us on Love With Recipes and let’s celebrate the love of cooking together!
