Rawon (Diced Beef in Black Sauce Soup)

Ingredients:
300 gr. beef brisket, cut into 2 cm cube
2 bay leaves
4 kaffir's lime leaves
1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
2 cm galangal (laos), bruised
salt and pepper to taste
6 glasses of water (1.5 liters)
2 Tbs. vegetable oil

Spice Paste Ingredients:
4 small shallots
2 cloves garlic
4 candlenuts
3 kluwek, take out the nut meat only
2 red chilies

Garnish:
100 gr. short beansprouts
Basil leaves

Directions:

• Heat 2 Tbs. oil and stir-fry the spice paste for a minute or two.
• Add bay leaves, kaffir's lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, salt and pepper. Stir-fry until fragrant.
• Add the beef cubes and stir fry for a minute.
• Meanwhile, heat water in a large pot and add the stir-fried beef cubes and cook on low heat until the meat is tender and flavor of the spices have been absorbed.
• If the water level dropped too much, add hot water.
• Serve with beansprouts and basil

*This recipe makes 3-4 servings.

(Source: melroseflowers.com)