Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pack of lontong (compressed rice cake)
- 500g beef, cut into small pieces
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of green beans, cut into 2cm pieces
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 cup of fried shallots
- 2 cups of water
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mortar and pestle
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mortar and pestle, grind the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves into a paste.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the beef and stir until browned.
4. Add the potatoes, carrots, green beans, and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar, salt, and white pepper. Stir well.
6. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
7. Add the bean sprouts and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. To serve, cut the lontong into small pieces and place in a bowl. Ladle the soup over the top and sprinkle with fried shallots.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Total fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary fiber: 7g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken or tofu can be used instead of beef.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of palm sugar.
- Lime juice can be used instead of tamarind paste.
Variations:
- Add shrimp or fish to the soup for a seafood version.
- Use different vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, or eggplant.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cut the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- If the soup is too thick, add more water.
- The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Storage instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with the lontong and soup separated. This allows guests to mix the two together themselves.
Garnishes:
- Fried shallots
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced chili peppers
Pairings:
- Jasmine rice
- Sambal oelek
- Indonesian crackers
Suggested side dishes:
- Fried tofu
- Chicken satay
- Gado-gado salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for longer to reduce the liquid.
- If the soup is too spicy, reduce the amount of chili peppers used.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator at the correct temperature to avoid spoilage.
Food history:
Lontong Sayur Betawi is a traditional Indonesian dish that originated in Jakarta. It is a popular street food and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals.
Flavor profiles:
The soup is savory, slightly sweet, and has a hint of sourness from the tamarind paste. The fried shallots add a crunchy texture to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup hot with the lontong and garnishes on the side.
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Region: Indonesian