15 Italian Braised Oxtail Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to impress your dinner guests, look no further than this Italian braised oxtail recipe. Oxtail, or the tail of a cow, may not be the most traditional cut of meat, but when braised with Italian flavors, it becomes tender and succulent, perfect for a cold winter night. This recipe takes some time, but the end result is well worth the wait. So roll up your sleeves, put on some Italian music, and get ready to make a dish that will transport you to the streets of Italy.
Oxtail is the star of this recipe and is easily found at most butcher shops. It's a tough cut of meat, but when braised low and slow, it becomes tender and flavorful. Make sure to get oxtail pieces that are about 2 inches thick for the best results.
2. Aromatics
Garlic, onion, and carrots are the trio of aromatics that will give this dish its depth of flavor. They are cooked down until soft and fragrant, adding a savory base to the braising liquid.
3. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is the secret ingredient that gives this recipe its rich and savory flavor. It's cooked with the aromatics to enhance its sweetness and adds a depth of umami to the dish.
4. Red Wine
Italian cuisine is known for its use of wine in cooking, and this recipe is no exception. Red wine is added to the braising liquid to add acidity and depth of flavor. Make sure to use a wine that you would also enjoy drinking.
5. Italian Herbs
A combination of fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves adds a quintessential Italian flavor to this dish. These herbs are added to the braising liquid and infuse the oxtail with their fragrant flavors.
6. Beef Stock
To ensure that the oxtail is cooked to perfection, a good quality beef stock is needed. The oxtail is braised in a mixture of beef stock and wine, which creates a rich, savory sauce that is perfect for serving over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Instructions:
1. Begin by seasoning the oxtail pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Sear the oxtail pieces for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are well browned. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the aromatics (garlic, onion, and carrots) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Add the oxtail pieces back into the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
8. Pour in enough beef stock to cover the oxtail pieces by about half an inch.
9. Add the fresh herbs and bring the mixture to a boil.
10. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the oxtail simmer for 3-4 hours, until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
11. Serve the oxtail over your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes, spooning the rich sauce over the top.
12. Enjoy this Italian braised oxtail dish with a glass of red wine and some crusty Italian bread for the ultimate experience.
In conclusion, this Italian braised oxtail recipe is a labor of love that results in a tender and flavorful dish that will transport you to the streets of Italy. With a combination of oxtail, aromatics, tomato paste, red wine, Italian herbs, and beef stock, this dish is a perfect representation of traditional Italian flavors. So next time you're craving a hearty and comforting meal, give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills.
