Bakso is Indonesia's beloved street-food meatball soup — springy beef meatballs bobbing in a clear, peppery broth with noodles, greens and a shower of fried shallots. It's sold from carts on nearly every corner in Indonesia, and one bowl explains why.
The magic is in the texture of the meatballs. Blending the mince with tapioca flour and iced water gives them that signature bouncy bite, completely different to an Italian-style meatball.
You don't need any special gear beyond a food processor, and the broth comes together while the meatballs poach. Set out kecap manis and sambal at the table so everyone can season their own bowl, just like at a bakso cart.
