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October 27, 2024
Oxtails with gravy is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for those looking for a delicious and comforting meal. Oxtails are a cut of beef that are full of rich, beefy flavor and have a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture when cooked low and slow. When paired with a thick and savory gravy, oxtails become the ultimate comfort food.
Cooking oxtails with gravy requires patience and time, as the meat needs to be cooked slowly to ensure a tender result. However, the end result is well worth the wait. The oxtails are braised until they are incredibly tender and soaked in a rich and flavorful gravy.
To start, you will need a few key ingredients such as oxtails, beef broth, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices. The oxtails are seared to lock in the juices and then simmered in a mixture of broth and seasonings to infuse them with flavor. As the oxtails cook, they release their natural gelatin, which helps thicken the gravy and create a rich and silky texture.
Once the oxtails are cooked to perfection, they are removed from the pot and the gravy is strained and thickened on the stovetop. The oxtails are then added back to the pot and simmered in the gravy to allow the flavors to meld together.
Oxtails with gravy is a classic dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy, and enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of this traditional dish.
Ingredients for cooking oxtails with gravy
Here are the ingredients you will need to cook oxtails with gravy:
For the oxtails:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oxtails | 2-3 pounds |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onions | 2, chopped |
| Carrots | 2, chopped |
| Celery stalks | 2, chopped |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
For the gravy:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Reserved liquid from cooking oxtails | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
These ingredients will help you create a flavorful and delicious oxtails with gravy dish. Be sure to gather all the necessary ingredients before you begin the cooking process.
Oxtails
Oxtails are a flavorful and tender cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooking. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, but one popular way to prepare them is with gravy. Here’s how to cook oxtails with gravy:
- Start by prepping the oxtails. Trim off any excess fat and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides until they are nicely browned.
- Once browned, remove the oxtails from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in some flour and cook for a few minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in beef broth and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Return the oxtails to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender.
- Once the oxtails are tender, remove them from the skillet and keep warm.
- Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- If desired, you can use an immersion blender to blend some of the vegetables into the gravy for a thicker consistency.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- Serve the oxtails with the gravy spooned over the top. They can be enjoyed with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious oxtails with gravy!
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic are important ingredients for adding flavor to your oxtails with gravy recipe. They provide a savory aroma and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
1. Onion
Start by peeling and chopping one medium-sized onion. You can dice it into small pieces or slice it into thin strips, depending on your preference.
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent and fragrant, usually about 5 minutes.
2. Garlic
Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the oxtails. Peel several cloves of garlic and mince them finely. You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste.
After sautéing the onion, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
The combination of onion and garlic creates a fragrant base for the oxtails and helps to build layers of flavor in the gravy. Once the onion and garlic are cooked, you can proceed to the next steps in your oxtails with gravy recipe.
Carrots and celery
In addition to the oxtails, carrots and celery are commonly used in this recipe to add flavor and depth to the gravy.
Carrots
Carrots are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that adds a sweet and earthy taste to the dish. They also provide a vibrant orange color to the gravy, making it visually appealing. To prepare the carrots, peel them and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Adding the carrots early in the cooking process allows them to soften and release their natural sweetness into the gravy. Make sure to stir occasionally to evenly distribute the flavor of the carrots throughout the dish.
Celery
Celery adds a refreshing and crunchy texture to the oxtails with gravy. It also has a mild, herbal flavor that complements the richness of the dish. To prepare the celery, remove the leaves and trim the ends. Slice the stalks into small pieces, about the same size as the carrots. Adding the celery at the same time as the carrots allows both vegetables to cook together, enhancing the overall flavor of the gravy.
Flour and Butter
One of the key ingredients in making gravy for oxtails is flour and butter. This combination helps to thicken the sauce and give it a rich and creamy texture.
To start, melt a generous amount of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, gradually add flour to create a roux. The ratio of flour to butter should be equal parts, but you can adjust it according to your preference for a thicker or thinner gravy.
Stir the flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent it from burning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the roux turns a golden brown color. This cooking process helps to cook out the raw taste of the flour and adds a nutty flavor to the gravy.
Once the roux is ready, you can start adding liquid to create the gravy. You can use beef broth or a combination of beef broth and water for added flavor. Slowly pour in the liquid, whisking constantly to incorporate the roux and prevent any lumps from forming.
Continue whisking the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add more liquid to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, you can make a slurry by combining equal parts flour and water and add it to the gravy, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Once the gravy has reached the desired consistency, season it with salt, black pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Finally, pour the gravy over the cooked oxtails and serve hot. The flour and butter mixture will give the gravy a velvety smooth texture and enhance the flavors of the oxtails.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Flour | – Melt butter in a saucepan |
| – Butter | – Gradually add flour to create a roux |
| – Beef broth (or combination of broth and water) | – Stir constantly and cook for 2-3 minutes |
| – Salt, black pepper, herbs, and spices to taste | – Slowly pour in liquid |
| – Whisk constantly until gravy thickens | |
| – Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices | |
| – Pour gravy over cooked oxtails and serve |
Beef broth and red wine
To enhance the flavor of your oxtails and create a rich and savory gravy, it’s important to use beef broth and red wine in your recipe. These two ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish, making it even more delicious.
Here’s how you can incorporate beef broth and red wine into your oxtails with gravy:
1. Beef broth:
- Start by making or purchasing beef broth that is flavorful and preferably low in sodium. Homemade beef broth will give you the best results, but store-bought options work as well.
- Ensure that the broth is warmed before adding it to the oxtails. This will prevent a decrease in the cooking temperature and maintain a consistent heat throughout the cooking process.
- Add the beef broth gradually to the oxtails, ensuring that it covers the meat by about three-quarters. This will allow the oxtails to braise in the flavorful liquid and create a delicious gravy.
2. Red wine:
- Red wine adds a depth of flavor to the oxtails and helps tenderize the meat. Choose a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for the best results.
- Before adding the red wine, deglaze the pan to release any browned bits of meat or vegetables stuck to the bottom. This will add additional flavor to the gravy.
- Add the red wine to the pot, ensuring that it covers the oxtails. The wine will slowly simmer and infuse the meat with its rich flavors.
Remember to simmer the oxtails with the beef broth and red wine for a sufficient amount of time to allow the flavors to meld together. This can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the recipe.
Using beef broth and red wine in your oxtails with gravy will elevate the dish to new heights. The combination of flavors will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
FAQ
What are oxtails?
Oxtails are the tail of a steer or a cow, and they are known for their flavorful and tender meat.
How long does it take to cook oxtails with gravy?
Cooking oxtails with gravy typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the cooking method.
What ingredients do I need to cook oxtails with gravy?
To cook oxtails with gravy, you will typically need oxtails, onions, garlic, flour, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and various herbs and spices for seasoning.
What is the best cooking method for oxtails with gravy?
The best cooking method for oxtails with gravy is to first brown the oxtails in a pot, then sauté onions and garlic, add flour to make a roux, pour in beef broth and red wine, and simmer the oxtails until they are tender. This method helps develop rich flavors and a thick gravy.
Can I use a slow cooker to cook oxtails with gravy?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook oxtails with gravy. Simply brown the oxtails in a pan, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the oxtails are tender.
What are oxtails?
Oxtails are the tails of cattle, specifically of oxen. They are known for their rich, gelatinous meat that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked properly.