Are you craving a deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this slow-cooked oxtail recipe! This delicious dish is perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional. Oxtail, often overlooked, is a treasure trove of rich flavor, and this crock pot method unlocks its full potential with minimal effort. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Oxtail: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Set the browned oxtail aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
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Combine in the Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock pot. Add the browned oxtail, red wine, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the oxtail is incredibly tender and easily falls off the bone.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. You can either serve the oxtail directly from the crock pot, or for a richer presentation, you can shred the meat from the bones and return it to the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Tips for Oxtail Success:
- Choosing Oxtail: Look for oxtail that is bright red and firm to the touch. Avoid any pieces that appear dry or discolored.
- Don't Skip the Browning: Browning the oxtail is crucial for developing rich flavor. Take your time with this step for the best results.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot and the size of the oxtail pieces. Check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Alternatively, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Oxtail: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Hearty Vegetable Oxtail: Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips along with the carrots and celery.
- Oxtail Stew: For a thicker stew, use less beef broth and add more vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredient quantities. Generally, oxtail is a good source of protein and collagen.
This oxtail recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. The result is a truly unforgettable dish, bursting with flavor and tenderness. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients, cooked with care, can create an extraordinary culinary experience. Enjoy!