Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy

Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy Recipe from Indonesia

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with a vibrant mix of spices, coconut milk, and tangy elements like tamarind juice and carambolas. This recipe is a celebration of taste and texture, offering a delightful culinary experience that is both comforting and exotic. Perfect for those who appreciate the depth of flavor and the fusion of traditional spices, this dish is sure to impress at any dining table.

History

The origins of Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy can be traced back to Southeast Asian cuisine, where the use of coconut milk, tamarind, and a blend of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom is prevalent. Over the years, this recipe has evolved, incorporating local ingredients and preferences, resulting in a dish that is both timeless and adaptable. It reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region and the creativity of its people in crafting dishes that are deeply flavorful and aromatic.

Ingredients

1 kg beef
1 liter coconut milk
2 tbsp margarine
6 cloves garlic, sliced
10 shallots, finely sliced
0.5 nutmeg
3 cm cinnamon stick
3 cloves
3 cardamoms
250 g potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes
1 – 2 tbsp tamarind juice
5 carambolas, cut into small pieces

Spices (ground)

1 tbsp cilantro
0.5 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp aniseed
0.5 tsp pepper
salt to taste

How to prepare

Cut the beef into bite-size cubes of 2 cm.
Thoroughly mix the ground spices with the beef and set aside for 30 minutes.
Heat a frying pan with the margarine and sauté the garlic until golden brown.
Add the shallots and fry until soft.
Mix in the beef, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamoms.
Stir-fry until fragrant before pouring in the coconut milk.
When the beef is nearly tender, add the potatoes, tamarind juice, and carambolas.
Simmer until the ingredients are cooked and the gravy has thickened.
Serve while hot with white rice.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for vegetarians. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, to add more texture and nutrition to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, marinate it with the ground spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors and become more tender. When sautéing the garlic and shallots, make sure they are golden brown and soft, respectively, to release their full aroma. Simmer the dish on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to cook to perfection. Lastly, adding the potatoes and carambolas towards the end of the cooking process ensures they retain their texture and do not become overly mushy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot with a side of white rice or flatbreads to soak up the delicious gravy. A simple cucumber salad or a tangy pickled vegetable side can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the beef.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking or simmering is key to developing the flavors and tenderizing the beef in this recipe. For those with a pressure cooker, it can be used to reduce the cooking time while still achieving tender meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If tamarind juice is unavailable, lime or lemon juice can be used as a substitute to provide the tangy flavor. Similarly, if carambolas are not accessible, pineapples make an excellent alternative, offering a similar tangy-sweet taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in a deep bowl or platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a few slices of red chili for a pop of color and heat. A side of lime wedges allows guests to adjust the tanginess to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a cold beer complements the rich and spicy flavors of the dish well. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of tamarind juice or coconut water would be refreshing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm the dish over medium heat on the stove, adding a little water or coconut milk if the gravy has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a relatively energy-dense meal. This calorie count can vary depending on the specific cuts of beef used and the amount of coconut milk added.

Carbohydrates

This dish provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the potatoes and the small amount of sugar present in the coconut milk. A serving of this dish contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

The primary source of fat in this recipe comes from the coconut milk and the margarine used for sautéing. Coconut milk is rich in saturated fats, but it also provides beneficial nutrients and adds a creamy texture to the dish. The total fat content per serving is approximately 20-25 grams, with a significant portion being saturated fat.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. A serving of this dish provides roughly 25-30 grams of protein, making it a hearty and nutritious option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 from the beef, which is crucial for brain health and maintaining energy levels. The spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, contribute small amounts of minerals like manganese and antioxidants that support overall health.

Alergens

The main allergens to be aware of in this recipe include dairy (from the margarine, which can be substituted if necessary) and nuts (for those who may consider coconut as an allergen). Always check the labels of store-bought ingredients for potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy is a nutritious dish that offers a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is rich in flavors and provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for a main meal.

Summary

Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy is a delectable dish that combines the richness of beef with the exotic flavors of spices and the tanginess of tamarind and carambolas. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal that pays homage to the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. With its complex flavors and hearty ingredients, it's a perfect dish to share with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age and the handwriting was faded, but the words were still legible.

I had never heard of this dish before, but the ingredients intrigued me. The combination of spices and tangy flavors seemed like a unique and delicious pairing. I knew I had to give it a try.

I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients, making a trip to the local market to pick up fresh beef, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. As I gathered everything I needed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building inside me. I was about to embark on a culinary adventure, guided by the words of my ancestors.

Back in my kitchen, I carefully followed the steps outlined in the recipe. I marinated the beef in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The smell that wafted through the air as I mixed everything together was intoxicating, filling the room with warmth and promise.

I let the beef marinate for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the meat with their rich essence. In the meantime, I chopped onions and tomatoes, preparing them to be sautéed in a pan until they were soft and caramelized.

Once the beef was ready, I seared it in a hot skillet until it was browned on all sides. The sizzle of the meat as it cooked was music to my ears, a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

Next, I added the sautéed onions and tomatoes to the skillet, along with a generous amount of broth and a splash of vinegar for that tangy kick. I let everything simmer together, the flavors mingling and melding into a rich and savory gravy that coated the beef in a luscious blanket of deliciousness.

As the dish cooked, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The first bite sent a wave of flavors dancing across my taste buds – the warm spices, the tangy vinegar, the tender beef. It was a revelation, a symphony of flavors that sang in perfect harmony.

When the dish was finally ready, I ladled it onto a plate and took a seat at the table. I savored each bite, letting the flavors wash over me in a wave of pure culinary pleasure. The beef was tender and juicy, the gravy rich and flavorful. It was a dish that spoke to the soul, a taste of tradition and heritage that had been passed down through generations.

As I finished my meal, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me. I had taken a leap of faith, following a recipe from the past into a culinary journey that had brought me to a place of pure joy and contentment.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on that day and the delicious meal that I created, I am filled with gratitude for the recipes that have been passed down to me. They are more than just words on a page – they are a connection to my past, a link to my ancestors and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook that I am today.

I may not know where this recipe for Beef in Spiced and Tangy Gravy originally came from, but I do know that it has found a special place in my heart and in my kitchen. It is a dish that I will cherish and pass down to future generations, a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal that I prepare.

And so, as the sun sets and the day comes to a close, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. For in this humble dish, I have found a connection to the past and a taste of the future – a recipe for happiness that will always have a place in my heart.