Pacri Nenas - Indonesian Pineapple Curry With Kofta

Pacri Nenas
Indonesian Pineapple Curry With Kofta
serve 6- 8

For Beef Kofta:
1 pound ground beef
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbs minced ginger
salt and pepper

For the curry:
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 tbs minced garlic
2 - 3 jalapeno pepper, roughly chopped
1 tomato, roughly chopped
1/4 tsp roasted shrimp paste
1 tbs palm sugar, optional
1 medium size pineapple, peeled and cubed
1 whole star anise
1 stick cinnamon
2 whole cloves
1 lemongrass stalk
1 inch fresh galangal or ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbs fish sauce
1 can coconut milk
1 can chicken stock
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbs vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix to combine ground beef, garlic, ginger, season with salt and pepper. Shape into bite-size meatballs. Arrange and bake for 15 minutes, turning them halfway, so they are brown evenly.

Into a bowl of food processor, add shallots, garlic, jalapeno pepper, tomatoes, roasted shrimp paste, and palm sugar if using. Process to make smooth paste, add water if necessary to keep the blade running.

Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot set over medium heat. Fry whole star anise, cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass, and fresh galangal for a few seconds, just enough to make the oil smell good. Add spice paste, turmeric powder. Stirring for few more seconds until fragrant. Pour in half of the coconut milk and stock, add pineapple chunks, and fish sauce. Stir to mix, then turn the heat to medium low, simmer for about 5 minutes. Now, add kofta, continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Lastly add the remaining coconut milk and stock, bring back to a low simmer so that the milk won't break a part, about 2 to 3 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with rice.