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Rendang

Indonesia

Voted the world's most delicious food by CNN. Developed in the Minangkabau highlands of West Sumatra.

The world's most complex beef curry — beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices for hours until the liquid evaporates and the meat absorbs the caramelised spice paste. Minangkabau's gift to the world.

Authentic Indonesia Rendang recipe
Prep
30 mins
Cook
180 mins
Difficulty
Hard
Calories
480 kcal
Serves
6
Calories are an estimate based on ingredients used

Ingredients

1kgbeef chuck, cubed
2lemongrass stalks
5kaffir lime leaves
400mlcoconut milk
rendang spice paste: shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, chilli, turmericblended

Method

1

Blend spice paste. Fry until very fragrant.

2

Add beef. Coat. Add coconut milk and aromatics.

3

Simmer uncovered 3 hours, stirring regularly, until liquid evaporates and paste coats the meat.

4

Continue cooking in its own oil until dark and very dry.

Chef's Tip

The final dry-frying stage — when the liquid has gone and the spice paste fries — is when rendang gets its depth.

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Some recipe photos courtesy of Openverse and Wikimedia Commons contributors, used under Creative Commons licenses.
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