Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew

Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew

Welcome to Kelvin's Kitchen! Today, we're making the Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew, a dish that's not just good, it's soul-good. This hearty stew is packed with flavors that will make your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

• Oxtails and Marinade:

  • 3 pounds of oxtails

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

  • 1 packet of Sazon

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• Caramelization:

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

• Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped (red or green)

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2-3 stalks green onions (scallions), chopped

  • 1 large tomato, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons sofrito (Sofrito)

• Cooking Liquid:

  • 4 cups beef stock or water (enough to cover the oxtails)

  • 2 bay leaves

• Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Chopped scallions

• Other:

  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Oxtails

1. In a large bowl, combine the oxtails with soy sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, dried oregano, adobo seasoning, Sazon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

2. Toss the oxtails to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Caramelize Sugar and Brown the Oxtails

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown.

2. Add the marinated oxtails in batches, searing them in the caramelized sugar until well-browned on all sides. Remove the browned oxtails and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until they start to soften.

2. Stir in the chopped tomato, tomato paste, and sofrito. Cook for a few minutes until the tomato breaks down and the mixture becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer

1. Add the browned oxtails back to the pot along with paprika and bay leaves.

2. Pour in enough beef broth or water to just cover the oxtails. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and the meat is starting to fall off the bone.

Step 5: Adjust and Finish

1. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

2. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce further, or thicken it with a slurry made from cornstarch and water.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Just before serving, garnish the stew with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped scallions.

2. Serve your Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew over white rice, accompanied by tostones (fried plantains) or a side of your choice.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious stew with your loved ones!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 550

• Total Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 120mg

• Sodium: 1150mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 10g

• Protein: 38g

Additional Notes:

• Marinating Tips: For the best flavor, marinate the oxtails overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas to the stew for added nutrition and variety.

• Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs wonderfully with white rice, mashed potatoes, or even a crusty piece of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

• Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.