KERUTUK DAGING TERENGGANU

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

~PATIENCE IS VITAL~


It is indeed a day to remember. I learnt how to cook a very special dish which originates from a state in the East Coast area of Peninsular Malaysia. It is called KERUTUK DAGING TERENGGANU [Terengganu Kerutuk Beef].

For those of you who are interested in trying out this recipe, please do.



KERUTUK DAGING TERENGGANU
Ingredients:

1kg beef cut across the grain into thin slices
8 Tbsp of oil
1 onion~ sliced finely
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
3 cloves
3 star anise

Grounded Ingredients:

12 shallots
4 cloves garlic
1 inch tumeric root
1/2 inch ginger
9 Tbsp Kerutuk Spice Mix~ dilute with some water to form paste

[The Kerutuk Spice Mix used in this recipe was in pre-packed form under the brand name 'Adabi' (a Malaysian product). It may be possible to find it in the Asian Markets. However, I shall find out more on how to prepare your own Kerutuk Spice, in case it is not that easy to find them overseas. In the meantime, if you cannot find any Adabi Kerutuk Spice Mix at the place where you reside, you may replace it with 2 Tbsp of meat curry powder and 2 Tbsp 'kurma' powder. It'll taste just as great.]

3 cups coconut milk
2 pieces dried tamarind skin
Gula Melaka (palm sugar) [replace this with brown sugar if you cannot find it in your home country]
Salt to taste
4 Tbsp Kerisik [fry dessicated coconut in a pan WITHOUT OIL until it turns brownish. Then, pound it with mortar and pestle until it became oily and smooth (the traditional way) or blend it in a food processor. That is your kerisik]

Method:

1) Heat oil in a wok and fry onions and spices until fragrant.
2) Add in the ground ingredients and fry over moderate heat until fragrant and the oil separates.
3)Then, add in the Kerutuk paste. Fry till it is mixed well with the rest of the grounded ingredients.
4)Add in the beef. Stir well with a wooden spoon, browning all over.
5)Put in the dried tamarind skin.
6)Then, add in the coconut milk.
7)Add in a bit of water (approximately 1 cup) to dilute the above mixtures.
8)Add in a bit of salt to taste. Stir and cover the pot and let it simmer in a medium heat.
9) After approximately 10 minutes of simmering, add in the gula melaka (palm sugar), and stir in the kerisik. Cover the pot again and let it simmer until the meat is tender. (remember to stir ocassionaly after putting the kerisik to prevent it from burning/sticking to the bottom of the pan)
10) Then, you are ready to serve, with white rice or even bread :) ENJOY!

Recipe was duly checked by Razi :)