Makassar-style Beef Stew with Aromatic Spices

Ingredients

In this Makassar adaptation of Székely gulyás, we incorporate Makassar spices such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves to infuse the stew with the unique flavors of Makassar cuisine. These additions give the dish a distinct Makassar twist while still maintaining the essence of the original Hungarian recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Székely gulyás, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, 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
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 cm (0.8 inch) galangal, sliced 2 cm (0.8 inch) galangal, sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 kaffir lime leaves 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 500ml (2 cups) beef broth 500ml (2 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• 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.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the lemongrass, galangal, turmeric powder, kaffir lime leaves, and diced tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the sweet soy sauce and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the stew before serving.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release their aromatic oils.
• Galangal — If fresh galangal is not available, you can substitute it with dried galangal powder, using half the amount.
• Kaffir lime leaves — Gently tear the kaffir lime leaves before adding them to the stew to release their citrusy fragrance.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a small amount of chopped red chili peppers to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• To enhance the flavor, marinate the beef cubes with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Makassar-style Beef Stew hot with steamed rice. It pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl to showcase the vibrant yellow hue of the stew.