Be Sampi Mebasa Bali

Braised Beef In Coconut Milk

Coconut milk gives a creamy flavor to this spiced beef dish.

Ingredients :
* 2 tablespoons oil
* 1 cup spice paste for beef
* 600 g (1 ¼ lb) beef topside, cut in 2.5 cm (1 in) cubes
* 2 stalks lemon grass, bruised
* 2 salam leaves
* 5 cm (2 in) laos, peeled and chopped
* 1 liter (4 cups) water
* 1 liter (4 cups) coconut milk
* salt and pepper to taste
* fried shallots to garnish

Directions :
Heat oil in heavy stockpot. Add spice paste and fry over low heat for 2 minutes. Add beef cubes, lemon grass, salam leaves, laos and water. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer until meat is three quarter cooked (approximately 40 minutes). Add coconut milk, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer until meat is tender and sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with fried shallots. Serve with steamed rice and a sambal.

Helpful hints: If you want to prepare this dish in advance, do so just up to the stage before you add the coconut milk. Be sure to keep the pan uncovered once you have added the coconut milk or the sauce may curdle.