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Instructions
1. Prepare the Oxtail:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the oxtail pieces in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
2. Brown the Oxtail:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the oxtail pieces to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brown the oxtail on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). This step helps develop a deeper flavor.
- Once browned, remove the oxtail and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Liquids:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize and bring out its rich flavor.
- Add the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds a lot of flavor to the stew.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Add Seasonings and Oxtail:
- Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, paprika, allspice (if using), and black pepper. Stir the mixture to distribute the seasonings.
- Return the browned oxtail to the pot. Make sure the oxtail is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add more broth or water to cover the meat.
6. Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the meat begins to fall off the bone. Stir occasionally, and add more liquid if necessary.
7. Add the Potatoes:
- About 45 minutes before the stew is done, add the diced potatoes (if using). Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender and the oxtail is fully cooked.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if necessary.
9. Serve:
- Once the oxtail is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the stew from the heat.
- Remove the bay leaves, and garnish the stew with fresh parsley if desired.
10. Enjoy:
- Serve the oxtail stew hot, paired with a crusty piece of bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. This hearty stew makes an excellent meal for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love Oxtail Stew:
1. Rich, Deep Flavor:
The slow simmering process allows the oxtail to release its collagen, creating a silky, thick broth that is rich in flavor. The combination of aromatic herbs, spices, and red wine makes this stew incredibly savory and comforting.
2. Tender Meat:
After a few hours of cooking, the oxtail becomes so tender that it falls off the bone. It’s incredibly satisfying to eat and adds to the comfort factor of the dish.
3. Customizable:
Feel free to adjust the vegetables in the stew according to what you have on hand. Adding root vegetables like turnips or parsnips, or even greens like spinach, can create a different twist on the classic recipe.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep:
Oxtail stew actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time.
Tips for the Best Oxtail Stew:
1. Don’t Skip the Browning Step:
Browning the oxtail before simmering helps to develop a deep, rich flavor. It’s a crucial step to making a stew that has that comforting, umami-packed taste.
2. Low and Slow:
The key to a tender oxtail stew is slow cooking. You can either cook the stew on the stovetop as described, or you can transfer it to a slow cooker after browning the oxtail and sautéing the vegetables. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours for a similarly tender result.
3. Adjust the Consistency:
If the broth is too thin, you can make a quick slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with some cold water, then stirring it into the stew to thicken it up. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flour to cook through.
4. Serve with Bread:
This stew is perfect with some fresh crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up all the flavorful broth. You can also serve it with rice for a more filling meal.
5. Be Patient:
Don’t rush the cooking time. The longer the oxtail cooks, the more tender and flavorful the stew will be. Give it time to develop that delicious depth of flavor.
Conclusion:
Oxtail stew is one of those dishes that brings people together around the table. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of rich flavors that develop through slow cooking. Whether you’re serving it for a special family meal, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just because you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is sure to hit the spot. With its tender meat, flavorful broth, and heartwarming ingredients, Oxtail Stew is a meal that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling nourished and content.
Enjoy your hearty stew! 🍲👨🍳
