A Brief History of Coto Makassar
Coto Makassar has been a part of Makassar's culinary culture since the 16th century. Initially, this dish was made using beef offal, cooked with a unique blend of spices. Over time, the recipe evolved to include beef meat, enhancing its rich flavor. Today, Coto Makassar is not only popular in Sulawesi but has also become a favorite across Indonesia.
Ingredients for Coto Makassar
This recipe serves 4-6 portions.
Main Ingredients:
- 500 grams of beef (a mix of tenderloin and offal like tripe or liver, based on preference)
- 200 grams of roasted peanuts (ground)
- 2 stalks of lemongrass (bruised)
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 cm galangal (bruised)
- 2 liters of water
- 2 tbsp oil for sautéing
Ground Spices:
- 8 shallots
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 3 roasted candlenuts
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 cm roasted turmeric
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp palm sugar
Condiments:
- Ketupat or buras
- Fried shallots
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
- Tauco chili sauce
Steps to Make Coto Makassar
1. Prepare the Meat:
Boil the beef and offal in boiling water until tender (about 45 minutes). Drain and cut into small pieces. Keep the broth for later use.
2. Sauté the Spices:
Heat oil in a pan, then sauté the ground spices along with lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal until fragrant.
3. Combine with Broth:
Add the sautéed spices into the broth. Stir in the ground peanuts and mix well. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
4. Add the Meat:
Put the sliced beef into the broth. Add salt and palm sugar, then adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Serving:
Pour the Coto Makassar into bowls. Sprinkle with fried shallots and sliced green onions. Serve with ketupat, lime wedges, and tauco chili sauce.
Tips for an Authentic Coto Makassar
Use Roasted Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a thick texture and distinct aroma to the broth.
Fresh Spices: Ensure fresh ingredients like turmeric and galangal for the best flavor.
Slow Cooking: Simmer the meat on low heat for maximum tenderness and deep flavor infusion.
Nutritional Benefits of Coto Makassar
Coto Makassar is rich in protein from beef and fiber from the spices. Turmeric contains curcumin, which boosts immunity, while peanuts provide healthy fats.
Now you can enjoy this authentic and nutritious dish right at home!