Oxtail is a favorite meal across South Africa, and if you've not tried it yet, you are missing out on something special. Oxtail is rich, flavorful, and a favorite comfort dish for many. It's not difficult to make, but you got to take your time and cook it slowly to bring out the best flavors. This article will walk you through how to cook Oxtail South African style, from start to finish.
Ingredients
Making Oxtail requires a few key ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- 2kg of Oxtail (Get it from your local butchery)
- 2 Medium-sized onions (Finely chopped)
- 2 Carrots (Peeled and chopped)
- 3 Stalks of celery (Chopped)
- 3 Cloves of garlic (Crushed)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 All-spice berries
- 1 Sprig of fresh rosemary
- 2 Cups of beef broth
- 1 Can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's get on with cooking your Oxtail.
Step 1: Brown the Oxtail
Turn your stove to medium-high heat and add the olive oil to a large pot. Wait for the oil to heat up, then begin to brown the Oxtail in batches. Make sure you turn the meat regularly until all sides are browned. Remove each batch and reserve the meat in a bowl when done.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
With the same pot still on medium heat, add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened, for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour the broth, chopped tomatoes, and all the spices into the pot, and then stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Simmer the Oxtail
Add the browned Oxtail to the pot mixture and let it all simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. You may need to add a bit more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste and see if the mixture needs more salt or pepper to your preference. Then, remove the bay leaves, all-spice berries, and the sprig of rosemary from the pot.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Oxtail has now been fully cooked South African style. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and you're good to go.
Conclusion
Cooking Oxtail South African style may seem like a lot of work, but it's a dish worth putting in time for. With the above recipe, you can now treat your family and friends to a delicious, savory, and hearty meal. Give it a try and savor the flavors and aroma of South Africa in your kitchen.
