Tangy Indonesian Beef Stew with Carrots and Green Beans

Asem-Asem Beef Stew: A Savory and Tangy Indonesian Delight

Indulge in a delightful symphony of flavors with this Asem-Asem Beef Stew, a classic Indonesian dish that melds tender beef with a tangy, aromatic broth. Ideal for a hearty meal, this recipe combines fresh vegetables, rich spices, and a hint of sweetness for a well-rounded culinary experience. Let’s dive into the details and bring this flavorful stew to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kg beef (cubed)
• Green beans (as needed, trimmed and cut into pieces)
• Carrots (as needed, peeled and sliced)
• 1 stalk green onion (chopped)
• 1 bunch celery (chopped)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 5 shallots (sliced thinly)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 red chilies (sliced)
• 5 red bird’s eye chilies (sliced, adjust for heat preference)
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (sliced)
• Tamarind paste (to taste, about 1/2 tablespoon)
• Palm sugar (to taste)
• Granulated sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Fried shallots (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Begin by boiling the beef in a pot of water until it becomes tender. This may take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the cut and size of the beef cubes. Once tender, remove the beef and set aside, reserving the beef broth.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a separate pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, bay leaves, and galangal. Sauté until the shallots are translucent and the mixture becomes fragrant. This step is crucial as it forms the aromatic base of the stew.

3. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the tender beef to the pot with the reserved beef broth. Stir in the sautéed aromatic mixture. Add the tamarind paste and diced tomato to the pot. Allow the flavors to meld together over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

4. Add Vegetables:
   Incorporate the sliced carrots and green beans into the pot. Season with palm sugar, granulated sugar, and salt to taste. Stir well and cook until the vegetables are tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Final Touches:
   Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chopped green onions and celery. Stir to combine. Let the stew simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the flavors are well integrated.

6. Serve:
   Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot Asem-Asem Beef Stew into bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of fried shallots. Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy this flavorful Asem-Asem Beef Stew as a centerpiece of your meal, bringing a taste of Indonesian cuisine right to your dining table.