Recipe Soto Betawi

Soto Betawi is a traditional Indonesian beef soup originating from Betawi, the native inhabitants of Jakarta. Known for its rich and creamy broth, fragrant spices, and tender meat, Soto Betawi is a beloved dish enjoyed by many across Indonesia. Let's explore how to prepare this flavorful soup, along with its ingredients, serving suggestions, cooking tips, variations, and nutritional information.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef (preferably with bones), thinly sliced
• 1 liter coconut milk
• 2 litres of beef broth
• 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 Indonesian bay leaves (daun salam)
• 5 shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Fried shallots for garnish
• Sambal (chilli paste) for serving
• Fresh lime wedges for serving
• Cooked rice or rice cakes (lontong) as a side dish

Instructions:

1. Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add sliced beef to the pot and cook until it changes color.
3. Pour in the beef broth and coconut milk. Stir well.
4. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves to the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the beef is tender.
5. Add diced tomatoes and potatoes. Simmer for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Season with salt and sugar according to your taste preference.
7. Remove the lemongrass stalks and bay leaves from the soup.
8. Serve the Soto Betawi hot with a sprinkle of fried shallots on top. Accompany with sambal and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy with cooked rice or rice cakes.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can use both beef meat and bones in the soup.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less coconut milk or beef broth according to your preference.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, add more chili to the sambal.
• To save time, you can use pre-made beef broth instead of making it from scratch.
• Make sure to remove the lemongrass stalks and bay leaves before serving to avoid unpleasant chewing experiences.

Variations:

• Some variations of Soto Betawi include adding cow's offal such as tripe or lungs for extra flavor and texture.
• You can also add other vegetables like green beans or cabbage for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of the soup according to your liking.

Nutritional Information:

The nutritional content of Soto Betawi can vary based on the ingredients used and portion sizes. On average, one serving of Soto Betawi (approximately 1 cup) contains approximately 300-400 calories, with the majority of calories coming from protein and fats due to coconut milk and beef.

Conclusion:

Soto Betawi is not just a soup; it's a culinary masterpiece that represents the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. With its creamy coconut milk broth, tender beef, and aromatic spices, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly day or served as a special dish during festive occasions, Soto Betawi is a true delight that captures the essence of Indonesian gastronomy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and savor the authentic taste of Soto Betawi in your own kitchen. Selamat makan! (Enjoy your meal!)