KBRN, Meulaboh: Dendeng Balado, a spicy beef dish from the Minangkabau region of West Sumatra, Indonesia, is an easy and delicious meal to break the Ramadan fast, rri.co.id reported.

"Dendeng" refers to thinly sliced, dried, or fried meat, a traditional method of preservation. "Balado" is a cooking technique using a spicy chili sauce.

Historically, dendeng was created to preserve meat in a tropical climate before refrigeration.

The addition of balado sauce likely developed to enhance the flavor of this preserved meat, creating a unique and beloved dish.

Over time, Dendeng Balado has spread throughout Indonesia, becoming a staple in many Indonesian restaurants and households.

This dish stores well, making it convenient not only for breaking the fast but also for sahoor (pre-dawn meal) preparations, as it does not spoil easily.

Made primarily from beef, this dish is rich in animal protein. To maintain a balanced diet, it is recommended to add vegetable-based dishes to ensure adequate nutritional intake.

Dendeng Balado West Sumatra Recipe

Ingredients

2 cm ginger, smashed

2 cm galangal, smashed

5 kaffir lime leaves

1 lemongrass stalk

3 bay leaves

3 pieces of yellow mangosteen or tamarind

Water, as needed

Cooking oil, as needed

Salt, to taste

Mushroom broth, to taste

Balado Sauce Ingredients

5 shallots

3 cloves garlic

15 curly red chilies

10 red bird's eye chilies (adjust to desired spiciness)

2 red tomatoes

Instructions, Part 1:

Prepare the beef, slice it thinly, and coat it with tamarind and minced garlic. Let it sit for a while.

Boil the beef until cooked. Remove and drain, then flatten the beef and fry it briefly.

Instructions, Part 2:

Boil all balado sauce ingredients until cooked.

Coarsely grind the cooked ingredients, then sauté them in oil.

Add bay leaves, lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant.

Add the beef and a little water.

Season with salt and mushroom broth, then taste and adjust.

Dendeng Balado is ready to be served with hot rice for sahoor or iftar. ***