Beef Rendang

A popular Indonesian dish, which tends to be spicy.

Ingredients for spice paste: (Rempah)

• 10 Dried red chilies
• 2 peeled shallots
• 6 large cloves of Garlic
• 1 large piece of ginger sliced
• 1 piece of Galangal, peeled and chopped
• 2 fresh red chilies

Make the paste: Place in blender and blend until a thick paste

Ingredients for Rendang Beef

• 1 lb. watering beef or short ribs sliced
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 star anise
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 pods green cardamom, brusied
• 5 cloves
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 3 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• salt to taste
• 1 stick lemon grass bruised

Heat paste in a pan until dry. Rub beef cubes in paste and place in the pan with the oil.

Add whole spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel seeds and lemon grass)

Add powders (coriander, chili, turmeric, paprika)

Add 2 cups coconut milk and bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to minimum heat and cook for 1 hour till the coconut milk is reduced and thick sauce coats the beef. If too dry add another cup of coconut milk and continue to cook for 30-40 min. reducing coconut milk until the paste is thick.

Continue to low heat cook, and stir occasionally until beef is tender.