Oxtail stew
Jamaican cuisine is highly lauded around the world for its rich flavors and beautiful blend of spices, herbs, and unique culinary techniques. One of Jamaica’s most beloved dishes is oxtail stew. This hearty stew is a staple of Jamaican cooking, with its succulent meat, root vegetables, and aromatic spices. It is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days, and it’s the kind of meal that can turn even the lousiest day into a good one.
This dish is very popular amongst Jamaicans, who consider it a real delicacy. It has a rich, bold flavor and a beautiful aroma that permeates the whole room. It is made by cooking oxtail – that is, the tail of an ox – with a variety of spices, herbs, and vegetables until it reaches a delicious, tender consistency.
Oxtail stew is a versatile dish that can be served with a range of accompaniments, such as rice and peas, bread, or dumplings. It is common to find it included as part of a larger feast, as it is one of Jamaica’s most iconic dishes. For many locals, this dish is a must-try when visiting Jamaica for the first time.
The process of making Jamaican oxtail stew is quite complex, but it’s worth the effort. The first step is preparing the meat for cooking. Oxtail requires longer cooking times compared to other meats, given that it is a tough cut of meat that features many bones. To make the stew, the oxtail is marinated in a seasoning blend that includes garlic, scallions, thyme, allspice, and soy sauce, among other ingredients. Marination is critical to ensure that the flavors have enough time to meld together and tenderize the meat.
Once the meat has been thoroughly marinated, it is then browned in a pot before being removed from the pan. The next step involves caramelizing onions, carrots, and celery, which will serve as the base for the stew. To add depth and flavor to the dish, the browned meat is then returned to the pot and covered with beef stock. Additional spices and ingredients such as bay leaf, Scotch bonnet pepper, and tomato paste, are added to the pot to add more flavor to the stew.
The dish is then left to simmer for a long period of time until the meat and vegetables have reached a luxuriously tender consistency. Once the stew is done, it is typically served alongside fluffy, white rice, or boiled yams and green bananas, which will soak up the delicious, savory sauce and complement the dish’s sweet and spicy flavors.
In conclusion, Jamaican oxtail stew is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a dish that is deeply rooted in Jamaican culture and has become an iconic favorite around the world. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of Jamaica, and it’s an easy stew recipe that every cook can easily make in their own kitchen. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this taste of the Caribbean!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs oxtail, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Season the oxtail with salt and pepper, then heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the oxtail to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned.
- Add the scallions, thyme, allspice, and cinnamon, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Return the oxtail to the pot and add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with rice or dumplings.
Enjoy your Jamaican Oxtail Stew!