Rendang

Rendang is a rich and tender coconut beef stew from Indonesia, celebrated for its profound complexity of flavors. Originating from the Minangkabau ethnic group of West Sumatra, it’s cooked slowly in coconut milk and a paste of mixed ground spices, known as “pemasak.” Rendang is often served at ceremonial occasions to honor guests, making it not just a recipe, but a cultural heritage of Indonesia.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Serving: 6

Ingredients:

1. 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
2. 2 cans coconut milk (about 800 ml total)
3. 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
4. 4 kaffir lime leaves
5. 2 cups water
6. 2 tablespoons tamarind paste

Spice Paste (Ground Together):

1. 10 dried chilies, soaked to soften
2. 5 shallots
3. 3 cloves of garlic
4. 2-inch piece of ginger
5. 2-inch piece of galangal
6. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
7. 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

Method:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   • Blend all the ingredients for the spice paste in a food processor until smooth. You may need to add a little water to facilitate the blending.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until they are browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Cook the Spice Paste:
   • In the same pot, add the spice paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Simmer the Rendang:
   • Return the beef to the pot. Add coconut milk, water, and tamarind paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Final Steps:
   • Uncover the pot and increase the heat to reduce the sauce, stirring frequently, until the rendang is dark brown and the sauce clings to the beef.

Notes:

• Rendang’s flavor improves over time, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
• Serve with steamed rice or ketupat (rice cakes) for a complete meal.
• Adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice preference.

Nutritional Information per Serving (Based on USDA Guidelines):

• Calories: 560 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Sugars: 4g

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