Recipe Meatball

Bakso, a beloved Indonesian dish, is a hearty meatball soup enjoyed by many across the archipelago. It's not just a dish; it's a cultural icon. Whether enjoyed as street food or homemade comfort food, bakso delights the taste buds with its rich broth and tender meatballs. Here's how you can recreate this Indonesian classic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 100g tapioca flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg
• Ice cubes (for shaping meatballs)
• 2 liters beef broth
• 200g noodles (vermicelli or egg noodles)
• 100g cabbage, shredded
• Fried shallots (for garnish)
• Chopped scallions (for garnish)
• Sambal (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, shallot, tapioca flour, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
   • Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Pair a portion of the mixture into a ball around an ice cube. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
   • Boil a pot of water and cook the meatballs until they float to the surface. Remove and set aside.

2. Prepare the Soup:

   • In a separate pot, bring the beef broth to a boil.
   • Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions.
   • Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded cabbage and let it simmer for a few minutes until tender.

3. Assemble:

   • Divide the cooked noodles and cabbage into serving bowls.
   • Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and cabbage.
   • Add the cooked meatballs to the bowls.

4. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the bakso with fried shallots and chopped scallions.
   • Serve hot with sambal on the side for those who like spicy food.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add beef bones when making the broth.
• To save time, use store-bought beef broth instead of making it from scratch.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
• If you prefer a smoother texture for your meatballs, blend the meat mixture in a food processor before shaping.

Variations:

• Bakso can be made with various proteins such as chicken, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Experiment with different types of noodles like rice noodles or udon noodles.
• Add vegetables like carrots, bok choy, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value.

Nutritional Information:

The calorie content of bakso can vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. On average, a serving of bakso with broth, noodles, and meatballs contains approximately 350-400 calories.

Conclusion:

Bakso is more than just a soup; it's a comforting bowl of nostalgia and flavor. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it's a dish that brings people together. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a quick lunch, bakso will satisfy your cravings for something warm and delicious. So, why not make this Indonesian classic at home and experience the joy it brings firsthand?