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Bakso is a beloved Indonesian dish known for its richly flavored broth and tender meatballs. This hearty and comforting soup is a staple street food across Indonesia, enjoyed by people of all ages. Made with a blend of beef or chicken, Bakso is often served with noodles, vegetables, and a variety of condiments, making it a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef or chicken

1/4 cup tapioca flour or cornstarch

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Ice cubes (optional)

For Broth:

8 cups beef or chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1-inch piece ginger, sliced

2 stalks lemongrass, bruised

2 kaffir lime leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Cooked noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles)

Bok choy or Chinese cabbage, blanched

Fried shallots

Green onions, chopped

Sambal or chili sauce

Lime wedges

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or chicken, tapioca flour or cornstarch, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture feels too soft, add a few ice cubes and continue mixing until it firms up. Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs using your hands. In a large pot, bring the beef or chicken broth to a boil. Add smashed garlic, sliced ginger, bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat.

Serving:

To serve Bakso, divide the cooked noodles and blanched bok choy or Chinese cabbage among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Garnish with fried shallots, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sambal or chili sauce. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Bakso is a comforting and flavorful Indonesian soup that's perfect for warming up on chilly days or enjoying as a satisfying meal any time. With its tender meatballs, fragrant broth, and delicious toppings, Bakso offers a taste of Indonesia that's sure to delight.