Southern styled oxtails

When it comes to hearty and soul-warming dishes, Southern cuisine always takes center stage. There’s something undeniably comforting about the way Southern cooks infuse their dishes with flavors that evoke memories of family gatherings and cherished traditions. Today, we’re about to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the South with a recipe that embodies this rich tradition – Southern-Styled Oxtails.

Ingredients

Before we delve into the soul-soothing cooking process, let’s gather our essential ingredients. To create this savory masterpiece, you’ll need:

• 3-4 pounds of oxtails
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups of beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and start cooking:

1. Preparation: Rinse the oxtails under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper, and then dredge in the all-purpose flour, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
2. Sear the Oxtails: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails and sear them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This process not only locks in the flavors but also provides a beautiful, rich color to the dish. Remove the oxtails from the pot and set them aside.
3. Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, green and red bell peppers, and celery. Sauté until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent. This aromatic base is the foundation of our flavorful oxtails.
4. Flavorful Layers: Return the seared oxtails to the pot and add bay leaves, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir to combine, letting the spices infuse their magic into the dish.
5. Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the oxtails start their slow journey to becoming tender and succulent. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more hot sauce if desired. Southern cooking often has a hint of heat, so feel free to tailor it to your preference.
7. Tender Perfection: After hours of simmering, your oxtails should be tender and nearly falling off the bone. The flavors will have melded into a harmonious, rich stew.
8. Serve with Love: Plate your Southern-Styled Oxtails with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. These oxtails are traditionally served over rice, creamy grits, or with some cornbread on the side. The choice is yours, but each option embodies Southern comfort at its finest.

Variation and Tips

Variation: For a variation, you can add some root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the pot for extra heartiness. This is a common twist in Southern kitchens, turning the dish into a one-pot wonder.

Tips:

• If you’re short on time, consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process. You’ll still achieve the tender oxtails and rich flavor but in a fraction of the time.
• This dish tastes even better when prepared a day in advance and reheated. The flavors continue to deepen and meld, creating an even more memorable meal.
• Don’t skimp on the flour dredging step; it’s essential for creating a luscious, thick gravy that clings to the oxtails.

 

Southern-Styled Oxtails are a culinary love letter to the South, a comforting and hearty dish that reflects the region’s rich history and tradition. From the moment you start searing those oxtails to the time you savor each tender, flavorful bite, you’ll understand the essence of Southern cuisine.

So next time you’re craving a taste of the South, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the slow, magical simmering of Southern-Styled Oxtails transport you to a place where the sweet sounds of Dixie, the smell of magnolias, and the warmth of Southern hospitality are all within reach. Enjoy this dish with loved ones, and you’ll be creating your own cherished traditions, one savory bite at a time.