Oxtail braised in red wine

On the menu today is a traditional South African dish for Sunday lunch!



INGREDIENTS

One 750-ml bottle red wine (preferably a South African Pinotage)
8-10 medium oxtail pieces
1/4 cup unsalted butter
5 shallots
5 garlic cloves
2 medium carrots
2 medium leeks (white parts only)
1 medium onion
2 celery ribs
2 small fresh rosemary sprigs
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
2-3 bay leaves
3-4 whole cloves
1 bunch parsley stems
about 2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper

Accompaniment: Roast potatoes, steamed green vegetables with brown rice and a generous serving of green salad.


PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 200°
In a 4- to 6-quart heavy saucepan boil wine until reduced by about half. Trim oxtails and pat dry. Season oxtails with salt and pepper. In a deep heavy ovenproof kettle just large enough to hold oxtails in one layer heat 1 tablespoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and brown half of oxtails on all sides, transferring to a bowl.
Brown remaining oxtails in 1 tablespoon butter in same manner and transfer to bowl.
Coarsely chop shallots, garlic, carrots, leeks, onion, and celery. Add the vegetables and spices to pot and cook in 1 tablespoon butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened.
Arrange oxtails over vegetables and add reduced wine and enough broth to just cover oxtails.

Bring liquid to a boil and braise oxtails, covered, in middle of oven 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until meat is very tender but not falling off the bone. Reduce the gravy if necessary.

Serve oxtails and gravy with brown rice, green steamed vegetables, a green salad and roast potatoes. Enjoy

Re: Oxtail braised in red wine

You're a gem Minxy. You last one was excellent. (Still burping ! I'll try this'n also.

Re: Oxtail braised in red wine

I used to cook oxtail a lot before I became an almost vegetarian .

I found it benefited from being cooked one day then left overnight in the fridge which allows the excess fat to settle on the top . It can then be lifted off in a solid piece.

Re: Oxtail braised in red wine

Good luck Keezoy. You can also try adding 1/2 cup cleaned and washed brown lentils before you put the beef oxtails into the oven. It’s delicious

Re: Oxtail braised in red wine

Thanks for that handy hint Meg. I’m always looking for an healthier option