Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 kg beef, cut into small pieces
- 2 liters of water
- 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 5 cardamom pods
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add beef, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, salt, and sugar. Cook for 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
2. Remove the beef from the pot and strain the broth. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground ginger. Mix well.
4. In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant.
5. Add the beef and the soy sauce mixture to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until the beef is coated with the sauce.
6. Serve the beef with the broth on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 45g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef can be substituted with lamb or goat meat.
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice.
Variations:
- Add chili peppers for a spicier version.
- Add potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables for a heartier version.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the beef more tender, marinate it in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Skim off any fat from the broth before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice and sambal for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
- Store the beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the beef and broth separately in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the beef in a bowl with the broth on the side.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions.
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Sambal
- Fried tofu
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Pickled vegetables
- Fried tempeh
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef is tough, cook it for a longer time until it becomes tender.
- If the broth is too salty, dilute it with water.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.
Food history:
- Empal Gentong is a traditional Indonesian beef soup from Cirebon, West Java.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and sambal.
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Region: Indonesian