Soup > Indonesian Soups > Soto Kudus

Soto Kudus (Beef Soup with Coconut Milk) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 kg beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 liters water
- 3 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 5 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 3 red chilies, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp fried shallots, for garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
a. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add beef, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
b. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic, shallots, and red chilies. Saute until fragrant.
c. Add sauteed mixture to the beef soup. Stir well.
d. Add coconut milk and tomatoes. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
e. Serve hot with fried shallots and chopped cilantro as garnish.

20 minutes preparation time, 1 hour and 10 minutes cooking time
5. Temperature: Low heat for simmering
Serving size: 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 44g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be used instead of beef
- Lime juice can be used instead of kaffir lime leaves
- Ground spices can be used instead of whole spices

Variations:
- Add potatoes or carrots for a heartier soup
- Use shrimp instead of beef for a seafood version
- Add vermicelli noodles for a more filling soup

Tips and tricks:
- Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time
- Skim the fat from the soup for a healthier version
- Adjust the amount of chilies according to your preference for spiciness

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over low heat until heated through

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with garnishes on top
- Serve with a side of rice or bread

Garnishes:
- Fried shallots
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced red chilies

Pairings:
- Rice
- Bread
- Crackers

Suggested side dishes:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Fried tofu
- Steamed dumplings

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too spicy, add more coconut milk to balance the heat
- If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness
- Store leftovers properly to prevent spoilage

Food history:
- Soto Kudus is a traditional Indonesian soup that originated from the city of Kudus in Central Java.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and spicy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner

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Region: Indonesian

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Coconutty, Aromatic, Rich