Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Cool Weather Makes Me Yearn For Oxtails

It does rain in sunny Southern California. This past weekend we got much needed rain and a break from the heat. I even got out my cool weather clothes. While sitting in the nail shop waiting for my nails to dry, a big downpour started with some cool breezes. I suddenly developed a craving for my beloved oxtails which I prepare at least 3-4 times a year.

I hurried home and broke out the frozen pack I had. With a quick microwave thaw, I was in the beginning stages of preparing a Saturday, stick to your bones feast.


I served the stew over polenta.










Oxtail Stew

6 pounds oxtails
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp celery salt
1 cup flour to lightly coat oxtails for browning

3 cups onions, medium dice
1 cup scallions, sliced
2 cups diced canned tomatoes
4 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup green onions

3 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (I used a Cabernet)
Add more water as needed to cover oxtails.

Wash then season oxtails with salt, pepper, garlic powder and celery salt. Lightly flour oxtails.

In a heavy-bottom braiser over medium-high heat, brown oxtail in batches in olive oil, drain excess oil leaving just enough to saute onions and scallion. After the onion mixture is sauteed return oxtails to braiser and add red wine, enough beef broth plus water to cover the oxtails. Allow the liquid to come to a simmer. Season with salt, cover, and put into a preheated 350 degree oven or continue to slowly simmer on stovetop for 2-3 hours or until oxtails are tender. Check to see if additional water is needed during braising process. Seasoning with more salt is recommended when finished. (note: the red wine adds a nice rich mahogany color to stew)

Sprinkle with green onions, mix and serve

6 comments:

Deborah Eley De Bono said...

Oh, I too am yearning for some comfort food. If we weren't on a diet I'd make your Mac and Cheese. I think I dream about that one.

maltese parakeet said...

my mouth is watering. i love the oxtail stew at versailles in culver city and have always wanted to try it at home. looks like i have a recipe to try out. hope it rains again soon!

Denise said...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm! That one of the ways my family makes them too! Uh Oh! I think I have to get to the butcher this weekend! I haven't had that in years. My Grandma used to make them. Thanks for the memory.

Denise

Deborah Dowd said...

I have wanted to try oxtails since I saw Paula (start with a stick of butter)Deen's recipe. Maybe I should finally do it!

sylvie1950 said...

Thanks to all. Comfort food, warm and filling. So easy to prepare just takes time to slow simmer. What's even better are left overs. Yum.

Whitners said...

At my old restaurant I used to work at we would braise the oxtails in its own fat and then for service simmer it in a peanut butter coconut sauce, just to give it a little asian flair. Delicious. But you have it right the only way to cook them is to slow simmer them. Good recipe!!

Whitnee
www.cookingrevealed.com