Beef Innards in Sesame Curry

Beef Innards in Sesame Curry Recipe - Indonesian Cuisine

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef Innards in Sesame Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the unique textures of beef innards with the aromatic essence of sesame seeds and coconut. This recipe is a testament to the culinary creativity found in traditional cuisines, where every part of the animal is utilized, ensuring nothing goes to waste. The dish is a symphony of flavors, with the nuttiness of sesame, the sweetness of coconut, and the tanginess of lime juice playing the main notes. It's a recipe that invites the adventurous eater to explore the depths of traditional cooking and appreciate the complexity of flavors that can be achieved.

History

The tradition of using beef innards in cooking is rooted in the philosophy of nose-to-tail eating, which emphasizes the use of all parts of the animal. This approach to cooking is prevalent in many cultures around the world, including Asian and African cuisines, where it is considered both a necessity and a respect for the animal. The addition of sesame seeds and coconut to the curry is a hallmark of Southeast Asian culinary practices, where these ingredients are staples. This recipe, with its unique blend of ingredients, is a celebration of cultural heritage and culinary innovation.

Ingredients

500 g beef innards (skirt steak, heart, spleen, sweetbreads, liver, gullet or throat)
125 g shredded coconut, roasted and finely pounded
75 g sesame seeds, roasted and finely pounded
750 cc coconut milk
6 carambolas, thinly sliced
0.5 tsp pepper
salt to taste
4 candlenuts, roasted and ground
6 shallots, finely sliced
2 cm galangal, bruised
4 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
2 tbsp fried shallots
3 lime juice

How to prepare

Thoroughly wash the beef innards and cut them before boiling them with pounded roasted coconut, pounded sesame seeds, coconut milk, pepper, salt, sliced carambola, candlenuts, galangal, and sliced shallots.
Cook until the innards are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add lime juice and garnish with a sprinkle of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves and fried shallots for a delicious meal.

Variations

1. Chicken or lamb innards can be used as an alternative to beef.
2. Peanut butter can be added to the curry for a thicker texture and a nuttier flavor.
3. A splash of coconut cream can be used for a richer and creamier sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Ensure the beef innards are cleaned thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.

2. Boil the innards in water with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to help neutralize any strong odors.

3. Roast the coconut and sesame seeds until golden brown to intensify their flavors before grinding them.

4. Slow cook the curry on a low flame to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

5. Adjust the thickness of the curry with coconut milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the curry hot with a side of steamed rice or flatbreads to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables can be added to the meal for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the curry.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is essential for this recipe to allow the flavors to develop fully and the meat to become tender. Roasting the coconut and sesame seeds before grinding them is another key technique that enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Almonds or cashews can be used in place of candlenuts.

2. Tamarind juice can be substituted for lime juice for a different tangy flavor.

3. Spinach or kale can be added for extra greens.

Make Ahead Tips

The curry can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the dish even more delicious when reheated.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added color and texture. Serve in a traditional clay pot for an authentic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a cold beer pairs well with the rich flavors of the curry. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled lime and mint water complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef Innards in Sesame Curry contains approximately 400 calories. The majority of these calories come from the proteins and fats in the dish, making it an energy-dense meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the carambolas and shallots. The total carbohydrate content is approximately 15 grams per serving, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the coconut milk and sesame seeds, both of which provide healthy fats. The total fat content is around 25 grams per serving, with a significant portion being saturated fat from the coconut milk. However, the sesame seeds also contribute beneficial polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Beef innards are an excellent source of protein, with a serving of this dish providing approximately 30 grams of protein. This makes it a hearty and satisfying option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in various vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef innards. The sesame seeds add calcium and magnesium, while the coconut provides potassium and phosphorus. Together, these nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are sesame seeds and nuts (candlenuts). Those with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative recipes.

Summary

Beef Innards in Sesame Curry is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a suitable option for various dietary preferences.

Summary

Beef Innards in Sesame Curry is a celebration of traditional cooking techniques and flavors. This recipe not only offers a delicious and hearty meal but also provides a rich array of nutrients. With its complex flavors and nutritional benefits, it's a dish that invites you to explore the depth of traditional cuisines while enjoying a satisfying and healthy meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My mother and grandmother were both excellent cooks, and I learned a lot from watching them in the kitchen. But this recipe was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

I had been wandering through the marketplace one day, taking in all the sights and smells of the various stalls. As I passed by a spice merchant, I caught a whiff of something that made my mouth water. Curious, I stopped and peered into the stall, where I saw a woman stirring a pot of bubbling curry.

I couldn't resist the temptation to ask her what she was making. She smiled warmly and told me that she was making Beef Innards in Sesame Curry. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she was kind enough to write it down for me on a scrap of paper.

I rushed home to show my mother and grandmother the recipe, and they were just as curious as I was. Together, we set out to make this new and exciting dish.

The first step was to gather all the necessary ingredients. We needed beef innards, sesame seeds, curry powder, coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, and a few other spices. We headed to the market to purchase everything we needed, and then we returned home to get started.

I watched as my grandmother expertly cleaned and prepared the beef innards, while my mother toasted the sesame seeds until they were fragrant. I helped chop the onions, garlic, and ginger, and soon the kitchen was filled with a mouth-watering aroma.

As we cooked, my grandmother shared stories with me about how she had learned to cook when she was a young girl. She told me about the different recipes she had picked up from friends and family members, and how each one held a special place in her heart.

I listened intently as she stirred the curry, adding the coconut milk and spices to create a rich and flavorful sauce. The beef innards simmered away in the pot, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Finally, it was time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor. We served the Beef Innards in Sesame Curry over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. The first bite was a revelation - the tender beef innards melted in my mouth, while the creamy sesame curry was a perfect balance of flavors.

As we ate, my grandmother regaled me with more stories of her culinary adventures. She told me about the time she had traveled to a different village and learned how to make a special type of bread, or the time she had exchanged recipes with a neighbor over a cup of tea.

I realized in that moment that cooking was more than just a way to nourish our bodies - it was a way to connect with others, to share stories and memories, and to create something beautiful together.

Since that day, Beef Innards in Sesame Curry has become a staple in our household. It is a dish that I make often, not just because it is delicious, but because it reminds me of that special day when I stumbled upon the recipe and learned the true joy of cooking from my grandmother.