Oxtails Stew

Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe - Ingredients, Preparation and Country of Origin

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

Introduction

Oxtails stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special family gathering. The tender oxtail meat, combined with vegetables and savory seasonings, creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Oxtail stew has a long history and is a traditional dish in many cultures around the world. Oxtails were once considered a less desirable cut of meat, but over time, they have become a popular choice for stews and soups due to their rich flavor and tender texture. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

1 oxtail, about 2 - 2.5 lb (1.13 kg), cut up
4 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp cooking oil
salt and black pepper
4 rashers (slices) of bacon, sugar cured, rindless
2 medium onions, sliced
1 clove of garlic, crushed
4 carrots, pared and sliced
1 cup of peeled and chopped tomatoes
1 pt (473 ml) (16 fl oz) of hot water
2 stalks of green onions, finely sliced
1 spring of thyme
1 can of butter beans (lima beans)

How to prepare

Trim away excess fat and place oxtail in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes to blanch.
Drain well on absorbent paper and coat with cornflour.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet and brown oxtail on both sides, removing when brown.
Pour off excess fat.
Dice bacon and fry for a few minutes.
Return oxtail to the pot with bacon, add carrots, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and hot water.
Cover and simmer gently for 3.5 to 4 hours or until oxtail is almost tender.
At this stage, add more liquid if necessary and season.
Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the butter beans and allow to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

Variations

Add potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier stew.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers or celery for added flavor.
Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Blanche the oxtail before cooking to remove excess fat and impurities.

- Coat the oxtail with cornflour to help thicken the stew.

- Brown the oxtail before adding it to the stew for added flavor.

- Simmer the stew slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the oxtail to become tender.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the oxtail stew over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the oxtail before adding it to the stew helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and the oxtail to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use beef stew meat or short ribs as a substitute for oxtail.

- Substitute cornstarch for cornflour as a thickening agent.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the oxtail stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this oxtail stew with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Serve with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This oxtail stew is a rich and hearty dish that is high in protein and iron. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Summary

Oxtail stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special family gathering. This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the tender oxtail meat, combined with vegetables and savory seasonings, for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves had turned a fiery red and the smell of bonfires lingered in the air. I was visiting my dear friend Margret, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma - a rich, savory scent that made my mouth water.

Margret was standing at the stove, stirring a large pot filled with chunks of meat and vegetables. "What are you making?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. She smiled and replied, "Oxtails Stew, a family recipe passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious dish. Margret took me under her wing that day, showing me step by step how to create the perfect oxtails stew. She explained that oxtails were a tough cut of meat that needed to be cooked low and slow to become tender and flavorful. She also shared with me the importance of using fresh herbs and spices to enhance the taste.

As we cooked, Margret regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make oxtails stew when she was just a young girl. She spoke of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing each ingredient with love and care. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and now it would hold a special place in mine as well.

After hours of simmering on the stove, the oxtails stew was finally ready. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, the vegetables were soft and flavorful, and the broth was rich and hearty. Margret ladled out steaming bowls of stew for us to enjoy, and as I took my first bite, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

From that day on, I made oxtails stew whenever I could. I would gather fresh ingredients from the market, chop vegetables with precision, and let the stew simmer on the stove for hours, just like Margret had taught me. Each time I made it, the memories of that day in her kitchen would come flooding back, and I felt a deep connection to the generations of women who had cooked this dish before me.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of oxtails stew to the next generation. I taught my own grandchildren how to make it, just as Margret had taught me, and watched as they too fell in love with the savory flavors and comforting warmth of this dish.

Now, as I reach the twilight of my life, I find solace in knowing that the recipe for oxtails stew will live on long after I am gone. It is a timeless dish that transcends generations, a symbol of love and tradition that brings people together around the dinner table.

So as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of oxtails stew just like Margret did all those years ago, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that led me to this moment. The memories of that crisp autumn day will forever be etched in my heart, and the taste of oxtails stew will always remind me of the enduring bond between friends, family, and food.