Soto betawi (Jakarta beef soup)

Step 1/7

• 2 l water

• large pot

Boil water for the beef soup.

Step 2/7

• 4 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1 tbsp galangal
• 1 tbsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 4 candlenuts

• mortar and pestle
• cutting board
• knife

Blend chopped garlic, shallots, ginger, galangal, pepper, coriander, cumin, and candlenuts. I did it the traditional way, using a mortar and pestle. But it’s alright to just use a blender.

Step 3/7

• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 bay leaves
• 600 g beef (diced)
• 2 potatoes (large)
• oil for frying

• large frying pan
• cooking spoon

Sauté all of the blended ingredients and add nutmeg, cinnamon, bay leaves, and diced beef. Fry for approx. 10 min. until browned and aromatic. Meanwhile dice potatoes and put in the beef soup water.

Step 4/7

Add all the fried ingredients to the boiling broth. Cover and simmer for approx. 5 – 7 min.

Step 5/7

• 800 ml coconut milk
• salt

Add the coconut milk and give it a good stir. Simmer for 10 – 15 min. Add salt to taste. Don’t be put off—it doesn’t look very attractive!

Step 6/7

• 3 eggs
• 2 limes
• 2 tomatoes
• 4 spring onions
• 30 g parsley

• small pot

In the meantime, hard-boil the eggs in a separate pot (approx. 10 min.). Cut limes, tomatoes, spring onions, and parsley.