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Indonesian Beef Pot

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Indonesian Beef Pot

Indonesian Beef Pot emerges from the heart of home kitchens, where family recipes are passed down through generations. This dish is a staple on Indonesian tables, especially during leisurely weekend lunches when families gather to enjoy a hearty meal. Its preparation is intuitive, guided by the cook's seasoned hand rather than a rigid recipe, reflecting the unspoken understanding of taste that defines Indonesian home cooking.

The dish offers a comforting embrace of tender beef cubes, softened carrots, and onion, all simmered to a rich, savory harmony. Generous use of fat ensures a succulent texture, while salt and black pepper, added to taste, enhance the natural flavors. This is a dish meant to be shared, inviting everyone to partake in its warmth and simplicity.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 2carrots
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by seasoning the 800 g of beef cubes generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed across all pieces, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until each piece develops a deep, rich color, which will take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor of the meat and forms a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. While the beef is browning, peel and slice 2 carrots into thick rounds and chop 1 onion into medium-sized pieces. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth to the dish.
  4. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrot slices. Sauté them over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. This process will help release the natural sugars in the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
  5. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in 500 ml of water, ensuring the beef and vegetables are just covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  6. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the beef to braise gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The dish is ready when the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. The flavors should be well-rounded and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the carrots.
  8. Serve the Indonesian Beef Pot hot, accompanied by steamed rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. This dish is perfect for sharing, embodying the communal spirit of Indonesian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indonesian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indonesian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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