Authentic Indonesian Sop Kambing (Goat Soup) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of goat meat
  • 2 liters of water
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 7 shallots
  • 3 cm of ginger
  • 2 cm of turmeric
  • 2 cm of galangal
  • 2 candlenuts
  • 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • Fried shallots for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the goat meat into small pieces and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Boil the goat meat in a pot with 2 liters of water until it is half-cooked.
  3. While waiting for the goat meat to cook, prepare the spices by grinding the garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, galangal, candlenuts, coriander seeds, cumin, and black pepper until they form a paste.
  4. Take another pot and sauté the spice paste until fragrant.
  5. Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves into the pot and continue sautéing.
  6. Add the half-cooked goat meat along with the broth into the pot.
  7. Add salt and sugar, then stir until all the ingredients are mixed well.
  8. Cook on low heat for about 1-2 hours until the meat is tender and the spices are thoroughly absorbed.
  9. While waiting for the soup to cook, dice the tomatoes, chop the green onions and celery.
  10. Add the tomatoes, green onions, and celery into the soup, cook for another 10 minutes.
  11. Turn off the heat, and Sop Kambing is ready to serve. Garnish with fried shallots and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A pot will be needed to boil the goat meat and cook the soup.
  • Grinder or Blender - A grinder or blender will be needed to grind the spices into a paste.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to cut the goat meat into small pieces and dice the tomatoes.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will be needed to safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
  • Stove - A stove will be needed to cook the soup on low heat.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon will be needed for sautéing the spice paste and stirring the soup.
  • Strainer - A strainer will be needed to strain the broth from the cooked goat meat.
  • Bowls or Soup Plates - Bowls or soup plates will be needed to serve the Sop Kambing.
  • Garnish Container - A container will be needed to hold the fried shallots for garnishing.
  • Serving Spoons - Serving spoons will be needed to serve the soup into individual bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Use lamb instead of goat meat.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or cabbage to make it more hearty.
  • Include additional herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for a more aromatic flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of broth or stock, such as beef or chicken, for a different taste profile.
  • For a spicier version, add chili peppers or chili powder.
  • Try using coconut milk or cream for a creamy and rich variation.
  • Add noodles or rice to turn it into a hearty soup with carbohydrates.
  • Include other traditional Indonesian ingredients like kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) or tamarind paste for a unique twist.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference, such as increasing or decreasing the amount of salt, sugar, or spices used.

Recipe overview

Sop Kambing is a traditional Indonesian dish that is rich in spices, featuring tender goat meat in a flavorful broth. This soup is often enjoyed as a warming, hearty meal that offers a depth of flavors from a mix of fresh herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, and galangal. The process of making Sop Kambing involves boiling goat meat, sautéing a blend of spices to unlock their flavors, and then simmering everything together to let the tastes meld. Vegetables are added towards the end of cooking, providing a fresh counterpoint to the rich broth. This recipe involves a number of steps and takes a bit of time, but the result is a comforting, aromatic dish that's well worth the effort. Expect a soup with a beautiful golden color, enticing aroma, and a taste that's a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet. Garnish with fried shallots and serve with lime wedges for an added tangy kick. Enjoy this flavorful journey into Indonesian cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of meat instead of goat meat? No, traditionally Sop Kambing is made with goat meat to achieve its unique flavor. However, you can experiment with other types of meat if you prefer.
  2. Can I use store-bought spice paste instead of grinding my own spices? Yes, you can use store-bought spice paste as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to adjust the quantity according to your taste.
  3. How long does it take to cook the goat meat until tender? It usually takes around 1-2 hours on low heat to cook the goat meat until it becomes tender. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and tenderness of the meat.
  4. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker? Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to expedite the cooking process. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking goat meat.
  5. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Certainly! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of black pepper or omit it altogether. Similarly, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of black pepper or add chili peppers.
  6. Can I make Sop Kambing ahead of time? Yes, you can make Sop Kambing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors tend to develop and enhance over time, making it even more delicious.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - Needed for boiling the goat meat and cooking the soup.
  • Knife - Used for cutting the goat meat and preparing the vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Grinder or Mortar and Pestle - Used to grind the spices into a paste.
  • Soup Ladle - Used for scooping and serving the soup.
  • Soup Bowls - The serving bowls for the Sop Kambing.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring and tasting the soup.
  • Frying Pan - Required for frying the shallots for garnish.
  • Strainer - Used for straining the boiled goat meat and removing any impurities.
  • Citrus Juicer - Needed for squeezing lime juice for serving.

Origin stories

Sop Kambing is a popular dish that has its roots in the street food culture of Jakarta, Indonesia. As the city bustles with life, the aroma of Sop Kambing being cooked in roadside stalls wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses of passersby. Interestingly, although the dish is deeply ingrained in Indonesia's culinary culture, it bears influences from the Middle East, brought over by Arab traders who ventured to the archipelago centuries ago. The use of goat meat and a variety of spices such as coriander and cumin allude to Arab cuisine, intertwined with local ingredients like lemongrass and galangal. It's a beautiful testament to the country's rich history of cultural exchange and the inherent adaptability of food, a story simmering in every bowl of Sop Kambing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.