Salor Machu Kreoung

Salor Machu Kreoung Recipe - A Flavorful Cambodian Beef and Water Spinach Dish

Region / culture: Cambodia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salor Machu Kreoung is a traditional Cambodian beef and water spinach soup that is bursting with flavor. This dish is a popular comfort food in Cambodia and is often enjoyed with a side of rice. The combination of tender beef, tangy vinegar, and aromatic spices makes this dish a true delight for the taste buds.

History

Salor Machu Kreoung has been a staple in Cambodian cuisine for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in rural villages, where ingredients like beef and water spinach were readily available. Over time, the recipe has been passed down through families and has become a beloved dish in Cambodian households.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) beef chuck, cut into bite-size pieces
0.25 lb (113 g) beef tripe, soaked in vinegar
0.5 lb (227 g) ta-kuong (water spinach), leaves removed, stalks cut into 2" lengths
4 cups water
1 red bell pepper, seeded
2 tbsp oil
0.5 cup minced lemon grass
4 minced garlic cloves
4 minced kaffir lime leaves
1 tbsp galangal powder
0.25 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp guava paste
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 hot chile peppers, chopped
1 tbsp creamy-style pickled fish
0.25 cup chopped basil leaves
ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place tripe in a soup pot, cover with water, and cook for 20 minutes.
Drain and rinse the tripe, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Set the tripe aside.
Combine garlic, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, lime leaves, and chili pepper.
Crush the mixture in a mortar or use a blender with 1 cup of water.
Set the mixture aside.
Add oil and the spice mix to a hot soup pot.
Stir in the beef and beef tripe.
Season with sugar, fish sauce, guava paste, and pepper to taste.
Stir often, adding water as needed.
When the meat is tender, add water spinach and bell pepper.
Add creamy pickle and lemon juice.
Adjust the taste to your liking - add more sugar for sweetness, more pickle for saltiness, or more lemon juice for tartness.
Sprinkle with basil leaves and hot chili pepper, and serve with plain rice.

Variations

Substitute beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots for added texture and nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the beef until it is tender to ensure a flavorful and satisfying dish.

- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more sugar, fish sauce, or lemon juice as needed.

- For a spicier kick, add more hot chili peppers to the soup.

- Serve the soup with a side of rice to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Salor Machu Kreoung with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the beef until it is tender to ensure a flavorful and satisfying dish.

- Stir the soup often and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If water spinach is not available, you can use spinach or bok choy as a substitute.

- Substitute guava paste with tamarind paste or sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Salor Machu Kreoung in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish sauce and pickled fish, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Salor Machu Kreoung is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a well-rounded meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Summary

Salor Machu Kreoung is a delicious and nutritious Cambodian beef and water spinach soup that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its tender beef, tangy vinegar, and aromatic spices, this dish is a true delight for the taste buds. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was during my travels through Cambodia, a country rich in culture and flavors. I had the opportunity to stay with a local family in a small village, where I was welcomed with open arms and warm smiles.

One evening, as I sat with the family in their humble kitchen, I watched in awe as they prepared a traditional dish called Salor Machu Kreoung. The aroma of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Curious to learn more about this dish, I asked the family matriarch, Sokha, for the recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, she invited me to join her at the stove and guided me through the process, sharing the secrets of her family's recipe.

As we chopped, pounded, and stirred together, Sokha shared stories of her childhood, of learning to cook from her own grandmother, and of the importance of passing down these culinary traditions to future generations. It was a moment of connection, of shared experiences and shared flavors that transcended language and culture.

After hours of cooking and chatting, the dish was finally ready. The rich, aromatic broth filled with tender chunks of fish and vibrant vegetables was a feast for the senses. As we sat down to enjoy our meal together, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Sokha and her family, and to be welcomed into their home with such warmth and generosity.

Since that day, Salor Machu Kreoung has become a staple in my own kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and techniques, but also the stories and memories that make this dish so special.

Every time I make Salor Machu Kreoung, I am transported back to that small village in Cambodia, to the laughter and chatter of Sokha's family, to the flavors and aromas that filled the kitchen. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together, and to create lasting memories that transcend time and distance.

And so, as I stir the pot and inhale the fragrant scent of lemongrass and galangal, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that led me to this recipe, and for the people who have shared their knowledge and their love with me along the way. Salor Machu Kreoung is more than just a dish – it is a story, a memory, a connection to a place and a people who will always hold a special place in my heart.