Dalini Horbo is one of the traditional dishes originating from the Batak tribe, especially the Toba Batak, which is famous in North Sumatra. This dish is often served at traditional events or important celebrations, especially at weddings or big family events. Dalini Horbo itself is a dish made from buffalo meat cooked with typical Batak spices that are rich in spices.
If you want to try making Dalini Horbo at home, here is a step-by-step guide to preparing this special dish.
Ingredients Needed
To make Dalini Horbo, you will need the following ingredients:
500 grams of buffalo meat (or beef if it is difficult to get it)
2 tablespoons of cooking oil for sauteing
1 liter of water (to boil the meat)
1 stalk of lemongrass (bruised)
2 bay leaves
2 lime leaves
2 tablespoons of tamarind water (from 1 teaspoon of tamarind dissolved in a little water)
Fine spices:
6 cloves of shallots
4 cloves of garlic
3 red chilies (or according to taste)
2 cm of ginger
2 cm of turmeric (or 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder)
1 teaspoon of coriander powder
1 teaspoon of pepper powder
Salt to taste
Sugar to taste
Steps to Make Dalini Horbo
Meat Preparation:
Cut the buffalo meat into small pieces or according to taste. Make sure the meat is cleaned well before cooking.
Boil the meat in boiling water for approximately 30-45 minutes until the meat is tender. You can add a little salt to the boiling water to give the meat flavor.
Preparing the Fine Seasonings: Kakek Merah
While the meat is boiling, grind all the fine spices (shallots, garlic, red chilies, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and pepper) using a mortar or blender until it becomes a smooth paste.
Sautéing the Spices:
Heat cooking oil in a wok or large pot. Sauté the ground spices until fragrant and cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the spices do not burn and the aroma comes out perfectly.
Adding Meat and Other Spices:
Once the spices are fragrant, put the boiled meat pieces into the wok. Mix well with the sautéed spices.
Add the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and lime leaves into the dish. Stir again until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Boiling Dalini Horbo:
Pour the water from boiling the meat into the pot (or if the water is gone, add regular water). Cook over low heat until the spices are absorbed into the meat and the sauce begins to thicken, about 20-30 minutes.
After that, add tamarind water, salt, and sugar to taste. Stir again and adjust the taste. Adjust the acidity and sweetness levels to taste.
Finishing:
Let the dish continue to boil until the sauce reduces slightly and the spices are absorbed into the meat.
Once cooked and the spices are absorbed, remove Dalini Horbo from the heat. Serve while warm.
Serving Dalini Horbo
Dalini Horbo is usually served with warm white rice and side dishes such as chili sauce, vegetables, or fresh vegetables. At traditional events, Dalini Horbo is often served in large quantities, because this dish is part of a tradition that involves the extended family and community. This dish has a savory, spicy, and slightly sour taste that is very delicious.
Tips and Tricks
Using Buffalo Meat: If it is difficult to get buffalo meat, you can replace it with beef or goat. However, the original taste of Dalini Horbo is indeed more authentic using buffalo meat.
Adjust the Level of Spiciness: If you don't really like spicy food, reduce the amount of red chili to taste.
Add Vegetables: Some variations of Dalini Horbo can also include vegetables such as long beans or cassava leaves to add freshness and texture.
Tender Meat: To make the meat more tender, you can boil it longer or use high pressure (for example using a pressure cooker) so that the meat becomes tender quickly.
Conclusion
Dalini Horbo is one of the typical Batak dishes that is rich in flavor and tradition. By following the steps above, you can try making this dish at home and enjoy the typical taste of North Sumatra. The cooking process may take time, but the end result will be very satisfying.
Hopefully this article is useful and good luck making Dalini Horbo at home! If you have any questions or want to share your cooking experience, do not hesitate to contact me.