Delve into the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia with our savory Bakso recipe. This traditional Indonesian meatball soup, crafted with tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty broth, is a true delight for your taste buds. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this dish offers a glimpse into the diverse and delicious world of Indonesian cuisine. Try our recipe today and embark on a flavorful journey to the heart of Indonesia.

Here's a recipe for Indonesian Bakso:

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  - 500g ground beef

  - 100g tapioca starch or cornstarch

  - 1 egg

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2 shallots, minced

  - 1 tsp salt

  - 1/2 tsp pepper

  - 1/2 tsp baking powder

For the soup:

  - 2 liters beef broth

  - 2 cloves garlic, smashed

  - 2 shallots, smashed

  - 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed

  - 2 cm galangal or ginger, smashed

  - 2 tsp salt

  - 1/2 tsp pepper

  - 1 tbsp soy sauce

  - 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  - 1 tbsp sugar

  - 200g bean sprouts

  - 200g cooked noodles (rice vermicelli or egg noodles)

  - Fried shallots, celery leaves, and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, tapioca starch or cornstarch, egg, minced garlic, minced shallots, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well until combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

2- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil. Add the smashed garlic, smashed shallots, smashed lemongrass, and smashed galangal or ginger. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors.

3- Add the salt, pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the broth. Stir well.

4- Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and float to the surface.

5- Add the bean sprouts to the soup and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

6- To serve, divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles. Garnish with fried shallots, celery leaves, and green onions.

7- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Indonesian Bakso!

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Indonesian Bakso recipe per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Ground Beef (500g):

- Calories:1000 kcal

- Fat: 80g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 90g

Benefits: High in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Tapioca Starch or Cornstarch (100g):

- Calories:360 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 90g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Provides a binding agent and adds texture to dishes. Tapioca starch is also gluten-free.

Egg (1):

- Calories:70 kcal

- Fat: 5g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 6g

Benefits: Rich in high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as vitamins D, B12, and choline.

Garlic (2 cloves):

- Calories:10 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.5g

Benefits: Provides antioxidants and supports immune health.

Shallots (2):

- Calories: 20-30 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Protein: 1g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting immune function and reducing inflammation.

Salt (1 tsp):

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Pepper (1/2 tsp):

- Calories:3 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and may have digestive benefits.

Baking Powder (1/2 tsp):

- Calories: 6 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Acts as a leavening agent, helping to create a light texture.

Beef Broth (2 liters):

- Calories: 120 kcal

- Fat: 4g

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Protein: 12g

Benefits: Provides flavor and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Garlic (2 cloves for soup):

- Calories:10 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.5g

Benefits: Adds flavor and supports immune health.

Shallots (2 for soup):

- Calories:20-30 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Protein: 1g

Benefits: Adds flavor and antioxidants.

Lemongrass (2 stalks):

- Calories: 15 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 3g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Provides a fresh, citrus flavor and has antibacterial properties.

Galangal or Ginger (2 cm):

- Calories:10 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Soy Sauce (1 tbsp):

- Calories: 10 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 1g

Benefits: Adds umami flavor and a small amount of protein.

Oyster Sauce (1 tbsp)

- Calories:10 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein:1g

Benefits: Adds flavor and small amounts of protein.

Sugar (1 tbsp):

- Calories: 50 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 13g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and flavor balance.

Bean Sprouts (200g):

- Calories: 60 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 12g

- Protein: 4g

Benefits: Low in calories and high in vitamins C and K, and provides fiber.

Cooked Noodles (200g):

- Calories: 250 kcal

- Fat:1g

- Carbohydrates: 50g

- Protein: 8g

Benefits: Provides energy and protein, and serves as a filling component in the soup.

Fried Shallots (for garnish):

- Calories: 60-80 kcal per tablespoon

- Fat: 5g

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Protein:1g

Benefits: Adds a crispy texture and flavor.

Celery Leaves and Green Onions (for garnish):

- Calories: 10 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 1g

Benefits: Adds freshness and is low in calories.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.