Delicious Oxtail Recipe with a South African Twist

Delicious Oxtail Recipe with a South African Twist

South African cuisine is renowned for its rich, flavorful dishes, and oxtail stew is no exception. This hearty and comforting dish is a staple in many South African households, often served with pap (maize porridge) or rice. The combination of tender oxtail and a medley of aromatic spices creates a truly unforgettable dining experience. Here, we’ll explore a traditional oxtail recipe with a South African twist that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3-4 lbs oxtail, trimmed
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Now that you have all the ingredients at the ready, it’s time to embark on the culinary journey of preparing this delectable oxtail dish. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful oxtail stew:

1. Season the oxtail generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail in batches, ensuring all sides are seared evenly. Remove the oxtail and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
4. Add the carrots, celery, and tomatoes to the pot, and cook until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Return the oxtail to the pot and pour in the beef broth and red wine. Stir in the paprika, cumin, coriander, thyme, and bay leaves.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the oxtail stew gently for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
7. Once the oxtail is fork-tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Remove the bay leaves and skim off any excess fat from the surface of the stew.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a slow cooker to make this oxtail stew?

A: Absolutely! The slow cooker method is perfect for creating a melt-in-your-mouth oxtail stew. Simply follow the same steps of browning the oxtail and sautéing the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the oxtail reaches the desired tenderness.

Q: What can I serve with oxtail stew?

A: In South Africa, oxtail stew is often accompanied by pap (maize porridge) or rice. The combination of the savory stew with the comforting starch creates a satisfying meal. You can also pair it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.

Q: Can I prepare oxtail stew in advance?

A: Yes, oxtail stew actually tastes even better when made ahead of time. Like many braised dishes, the flavors have a chance to meld and intensify over time. Prepare the oxtail stew up to two days in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving for a stress-free and delicious meal.

With this South African oxtail recipe, you can bring the heartwarming flavors of traditional South African cuisine to your own table. Whether you opt for the stovetop method or the convenience of a slow cooker, this oxtail stew is sure to become a family favorite.