Soto Betawi

A rich Jakarta-style beef and offal soup simmered in coconut milk broth with tomato and fried shallots.

Ingredients

• 400g beef shin
• 400g rice noodles
• a handful of sliced galangal
• 1 tsp tamarind paste
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• a generous handful of cabbage
• a handful of fresh kaffir lime leaves, chopped
• a generous spoonful of lime wedges
• 2 cups tamarind water
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• a generous handful of bean sprouts

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat neutral vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the minced garlic and sliced lemongrass gently until soft and fragrant.

2. 2

   Stir in the palm sugar and coriander seeds, toasting briefly until the kitchen fills with their aroma.

3. 3

   Add the chicken thighs and cabbage, stirring well to coat everything in the spiced base.

4. 4

   Pour in the coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently until the chicken thighs is tender, about 1 hr 30 mins.

6. 6

   Stir in the compressed rice cakes (lontong) and continue simmering for a few minutes more, until heated through.

7. 7

   Finish with the sambal and adjust the seasoning to taste.

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