Betawi-style Karjalanpaisti

Ingredients

In this Betawi adaptation of Karjalanpaisti, we infuse the traditional Finnish beef stew with the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The original dish is known for its simplicity, with minimal spices and ingredients. However, in the Betawi-style version, we incorporate a variety of Indonesian spices such as turmeric, coriander, and galangal to add depth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, we use local Betawi ingredients like kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and palm sugar to enhance the flavor profile and create a unique fusion experience. We alse have the original recipe for Karjalanpaisti, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon galangal powder 1 teaspoon galangal powder
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 500ml (2 cups) beef broth 500ml (2 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
2. 2.
   Add the beef stew meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, and galangal powder over the meat. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves, kecap manis, and palm sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Betawi-style Karjalanpaisti hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat to ensure a leaner stew.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, marinate the beef in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Betawi-style Karjalanpaisti hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Present the Betawi-style Karjalanpaisti in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the stew to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top for an appealing visual touch.