Bakso (meatball Soup)

"Bakso is a comforting and flavourful meatball soup that’s loved for its hearty yet light profile. This dish features tender meatballs, typically made from beef or a mix of beef and chicken, blended with garlic, breadcrumbs, and tapioca flour for a smooth texture. The savoury broth, often made from beef bones simmered with shallots, garlic, and spices, is the soul of this recipe, providing a rich and aromatic base. Fresh vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts add vibrant freshness, while rice noodles make it a complete and satisfying meal. Creating Bakso takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, with the meatballs requiring careful preparation to ensure the perfect consistency. The key is to blend the ingredients well and gently poach the meatballs in hot water until they float, signalling their doneness. The broth, simmered for about an hour, develops layers of flavor that complement the tender meatballs. Serve Bakso in bowls with noodles, meatballs, and ladles of steaming broth. Top it with fried shallots, green onions, and a splash of sambal or chili sauce for an extra kick. Lime wedges on the side add a bright, zesty contrast to the soup's warmth. For a special tip, using ice water while blending the meatball mixture helps achieve a firm yet bouncy texture, a hallmark of great Bakso. You can also customize the soup with tofu, boiled eggs, or fried wontons for added variety. Bakso is not just a meal but a celebration of Indonesian comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings."