Soto Tangkar Betawi *Batavian Beef Rib Soup* January 17, 2008

Ingredients:

* 400 gram beef ribs
* 1 kg brisket ( this portion enough for 3 western pax)  – secara Mike kalo makan ginian gak pake nasi
* 2 pcs bay leaves
* 3 stalks of lemon grass – pounded, tie together into a knot, then dump into the pot
* 3 cm fresh galangal – roast in naked flame until fragrant
* 2 cm fresh ginger, sliced
* 3 pcs kaffir lime leaves
* 250 ml coconut milk
* 500 gr potatoe – cubed
* 4 cm cinnamon stick

Ground spices:
* 12 pcs shallots
* 7 pcs garlic
* 5 pcs red chilis
* 8 pcs candlenuts – roast in naked flame till fragrant
* 1 tbs coriander powder
* 1 tsp cumin powder  (I use mongolian cumin which has a slightly stronger scent… yummy)
* 1 tsp white pepper powder
(all ground smoothly, then stir fry in cooking oil until fragrant)

Cooking Direction:
1.)  Boil water with lemon grass, roast galangal, bay leaves in a pot and cook ribs + brisket until tender
       This should take a while. So in the mean time you can shallow fry cubed potatoes until golden brown and set aside
2.)  When ribs & beef are tender enough, mix in the stir fried ground spices, kaffir lime leaves and cinnamon stick.
       Taste and add salt, pepper if needed
3.)  Serve steaming hot. Place cubef potatoes first, then the ribs & soup. Sprinkle with chopped spring onions,
       chopped tomatoes and fried shallot or bawang goreng. Oh, heaven!!!!

** Recipe source from Femina Online

Shepherd’s Pie November 7, 2007

Ingredients:

*  700 gr lean minced beef
*  1 large onion, finely chopped
*  1 cup of cubed carrots, 1 cup of peas, 1 cup of sliced button mushrooms
*  4 pcs of large potatoes
*  butter
*  soft cheese
*  grated vintage cheese (or anything with strong flavors)
*  worchestershire sauce
*  salt, pepper & maggi seasoning powder to taste

Cooking Directions:

1.  Peel potatoes and boil until soft.
2.  Heat the pan with a few drops of olive oil, stir in chopped onions until fragrant
3.  Add minced beef, mix thoroughly until cooked through then add the vegetables.
4.  Add salt, pepper, worchester sauce and seasoning. Lastly mix in grated vintage cheese. Set aside
5.  When potatoes are cooked through, mashed them until smooth in a bowl
      add butter, soft cheese, salt & pepper to taste
6.  In an oven proof dish, place the cooked meat on the bottom layer.
     Then top with layer of mashed potatoes. Place in an oven for about 30 minutes – or
     microwave can also be used with settings on combination high for 20 mnts, followed by “grill” for 10 mnts