Konro - Makassarese Sparerib Soup Konro Makasar

Serves 4 to 6 Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 1 hour 5 mins

The Makassarese of Southern Sulawesi are renowned for their hearty beef soups with lemongrass and coconut.

Step 1. Prepare the Crispy Fried Shallots.

• 3 candlenuts, roughly chopped
• 3–4 shallots, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

Step 2. Separate the beef ribs and cut into lengths. Set aside.

Step 3. Dry-fry the grated coconut in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown, about 10 minutes for fresh coconut and 5 to 7 minutes for desiccated coconut. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. While still warm, grind the coconut in a mortar or blender until fine. Set aside.

Step 4. Prepare the Spice Paste by grinding all the ingredients to a smooth paste in a mortar or blender, adding a little water if necessary to keep the mixture turning. Set aside.

Step 5. Bring the beef and water to a boil in a large pot and simmer uncovered over medium heat until the beef is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Add the ground coconut, Spice Paste and all the remaining ingredients (except the Crispy Fried Shallots), mix well and continue to simmer for 15 more minutes, until the beef is very tender, but not falling off the bones. Remove from the heat and serve garnished with the Crispy Fried Shallots.

• 2 lbs (1 kg) meaty beef spareribs, ribs separated and cut into lengths
• 3 cups (300 g) freshly grated coconut, or 2 cups (150 g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 16 cups (4 liters) water
• 3 stalks lemongrass, thick bottom third only, outer layers discarded, inner part bruised
• 1 in (21/2 cm) fresh galangal, peeled and sliced
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt