Soto Betawi

About This Recipe

Soto Betawi is the iconic soup of Jakarta — a rich, creamy beef broth made with coconut milk and fragrant with a paste of shallots, garlic, and galangal. The Betawi people (the indigenous people of Jakarta) created this soup, and it reflects their mixed Malay, Chinese, Arab, and Dutch heritage. It is street-food royalty in the capital.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 700 gbeef brisket or shank
• 400 mlcoconut milk
• 1.5 litrewater
• 5 shallotsshallots(minced)
• 4 clovesgarlic(minced)
• 1 stalklemongrass(bruised)
• 3 kaffir lime leaveskaffir lime leaves
• 1 tspgalangal powder
• 1 tspturmeric
• 2 tbspoil
• 2 mediumtomatoes(diced, to serve)
• 3 stalksspring onion(sliced, to serve)
• 4 tbspfried shallots(to serve)
• 2limes(cut into wedges, to serve)

Instructions

1. 1

   Simmer beef

   Simmer beef in water with lemongrass and lime leaves 1.5 hours until tender. Remove beef; slice thinly. Reserve broth.

2. 2

   Fry spice paste

   Sauté shallots and garlic in oil until golden. Add galangal and turmeric; cook 2 min.

3. 3

   Add broth and coconut milk

   Add reserved beef broth and coconut milk to spice paste. Simmer 15 min. Season with salt.

4. 4

   Assemble bowls

   Place beef slices in bowls. Ladle hot broth over. Top with tomato, spring onion, and fried shallots. Serve with lime wedges.

Variations

• •

  Add beef lung and innards for the traditional version

• •

  Serve with emping (melinjo crackers)

• •

  Use half coconut milk and half evaporated milk

Storage

Refrigerate broth up to 3 days. Store toppings separately and add fresh. The coconut milk can separate when reheated — whisk smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions