Indonesia is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and Rawon Rice is undoubtedly one of its gems. Originating from East Java, this dish is a rich and fragrant beef soup served with rice, known for its distinctive dark colour and robust flavours. Today, we'll explore how to recreate this Indonesian favourite in your own kitchen, bringing the taste of Indonesia to your table.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef (preferably with bones for added flavour)
- 200g beef tendon (optional, but recommended for extra richness)
- 2 liters water
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 4 shallots, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 tablespoons tamarind juice
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
- 5 red chillies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 4 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: In a large pot, boil the beef and tendon in water until tender. This may take around 1-2 hours depending on the cuts of meat. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- Saute the Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and shrimp paste until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sauteed aromatics, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, tamarind juice, salt, sugar, and sliced red chillies to the pot of boiled beef. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the Rawon soup over a bowl of hot rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and fried shallots for an extra burst of flavour.
Tips:
- Be Patient: The key to a flavorful Rawon lies in simmering the beef until it's tender and the broth rich. Don't rush this step.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the spiciness of your Rawon by adjusting the amount of chilli you use. For a milder version, remove the seeds before slicing.
- Prep Ahead: Rawon tastes even better the next day as the flavours continue to develop. Consider making it in advance for a convenient meal option.
- Traditional Serving: Rawon is traditionally served with a side of salted duck eggs and shrimp crackers (kerupuk). Feel free to include these accompaniments for an authentic experience.
Variations:
- Chicken Rawon: Swap the beef for chicken pieces to create a lighter version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with mushrooms and tofu for a hearty vegetarian Rawon.
- Seafood Twist: Experiment with adding prawns or fish to the broth for a seafood-infused Rawon experience.
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
