Beef Rendang

Beef Rendang

Ingredients

500 g Lean Beef (use a stewing cut)
1 Cup Grated Fresh Coconut or Dessicated Coconut
15 - 20 Dried Chilies, cut into smaller pieces, soaked in warm water
15 (150 g) Shallots, peeled and sliced
2 cm (1 inch) piece Ginger, peeled and sliced
2 cm (1 inch) piece Galangal, peeled and sliced
3 Stalks Lemongrass (white section only)
1 cm ( 1/2 inch) piece Fresh Turmeric Root, peeled and sliced
600 ml Coconut Milk
200 ml Water
2 pcs Asam Gelugor/Keping (Dried Tamarind Skin)
2 Kaffir Lime Leaves
2 tsp Sea Salt or to taste
2 tsp Sugar or to taste

Method

Cut the beef into slices 2 cm (1 inch) by 3 cm ( 1 1/2 inches).

Prepare the kerisik (dry roasted grated coconut) by placing the grated fresh or desiccated coconut into a dry wok over low heat. Do not add any oil. Toss and stir coconut over a low heat until the coconut is crisp and golden brown. Remove from the heat. Cool the coconut slightly then grind it finely in a food processor. Set aside.

Grind the chilies, ginger, galangal, lemongrass and turmeric root with enough water until you get a fine paste.

Place the beef, ground chili paste, coconut milk in a large wok. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until most of the coconut milk has evaporated - a red film of oil will rise to the surface.

Add the asam gelugor, kaffir lime leaves and kerisik. Mix well and season with salt and sugar.


(Recipe adapted from Rohani Jelani)