Oxtail Soup

Oxtail Soup Recipe from Tanzania - Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Oxtail soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with tender oxtail meat and a variety of vegetables, this soup is perfect for a cold winter day or any time you're craving a comforting meal.

History

Oxtail soup has a long history, dating back to medieval times when it was considered a delicacy. Oxtail, which comes from the tail of cattle, was often used in soups and stews as a way to make use of every part of the animal. Over the years, oxtail soup has become a popular dish in many cultures around the world.

Ingredients

1 oxtail
15 ml butter or dripping
1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, diced
1 medium turnip, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, skinned and finely chopped
45 ml chopped celery
3 peppercorns
2 whole cloves
2 liter water
1 bouquet garni (3 sprigs parsley, 1 sprig thyme, 1 bay leaf)
125 ml cake flour
25 ml sherry or dry red wine (optional)
5 ml salt
1 ml cayenne pepper

How to prepare

In a pan, sauté the meat and onion until the onions are golden and the meat is browned.
Add the remaining vegetables, peppercorns, cloves, water, and bouquet garni to the pan. Cover and simmer for 3 hours.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little water to form a paste. Stir the paste into the soup to thicken it.
Add the sherry or wine to the soup and season with salt and cayenne pepper.
Finally, add the meat to the soup and serve immediately.

Variations

Add barley or potatoes for a heartier soup.
Use different vegetables such as leeks or parsnips for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Browning the oxtail and onions before adding them to the soup will help enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Simmering the soup for a few hours will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Thicken the soup with a flour paste for a hearty and satisfying texture.

- Season the soup with salt and cayenne pepper to taste, adding a bit of heat and depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the oxtail soup with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat and vegetables before simmering will enhance the flavor of the soup.

- Thicken the soup with a flour paste for a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute red wine with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the oxtail soup with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour) and may contain traces of dairy (butter).

Summary

This oxtail soup is a nutritious and filling dish, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Oxtail soup is a classic dish that is both delicious and nutritious. With tender oxtail meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it on a cold day or anytime you're in need of a comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for oxtail soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her incredible cooking skills, and that day she was preparing a hearty oxtail soup for dinner. I watched intently as she worked her magic in the kitchen, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that with such precision and grace.

As the savory aroma of the simmering oxtails filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the process. I asked my aunt if I could help, and she gladly accepted my offer. She handed me a wooden spoon and instructed me to stir the pot gently, making sure not to let the ingredients stick to the bottom.

As we worked together, she shared with me the story of how she learned to make oxtail soup. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from my great-grandmother who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. My aunt had perfected the recipe over the years, adding her own twist to make it truly her own.

I listened intently as she shared tips and tricks with me, explaining the importance of letting the flavors develop slowly over time. She showed me how to season the oxtails just right, ensuring that each bite would be bursting with rich, savory goodness. I was amazed at how much care and attention went into every step of the process.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the house with its mouthwatering scent, my aunt ladled out a steaming bowl for each of us to enjoy. I took my first spoonful and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The tender oxtails melted in my mouth, the broth was rich and flavorful, and the vegetables added a delicious crunch.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew that I had to learn how to make oxtail soup myself, to carry on the tradition and share this delicious dish with my own family. I asked my aunt for the recipe, and she gladly passed it down to me, along with a few secret tips that she had picked up along the way.

I returned home that day with a heart full of gratitude and a head full of inspiration. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making oxtail soup for my own loved ones. Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking it just a bit to suit my own taste.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a beloved staple in our home. There is something truly magical about the way that oxtail soup brings people together, warming both body and soul with its comforting flavors.

As I stir a pot of simmering oxtails on the stove, I am reminded of that chilly autumn day when my aunt first introduced me to this recipe. I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations, and I am proud to carry on the legacy of making oxtail soup with love and care.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with my own family, I know that the recipe will continue to be cherished and shared for years to come. Cooking is more than just a task, it is a way to connect with the past and create memories for the future. And with each spoonful of oxtail soup, I am reminded of the love and joy that food can bring into our lives.