When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat the rich and hearty flavors of southern oxtail. This traditional soul food dish has been a staple in southern cuisine for generations, and for good reason. Made from the tail of a cow, oxtail is an inexpensive cut of meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of southern oxtail, as well as provide a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for you to try at home. So grab your apron and get ready to cook up a taste of the south!
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Dukes Mayonnaise
If you're looking for a classic Southern side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than these delicious deviled eggs. Made with a touch of mayonnaise, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika, these deviled eggs are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They're the perfect combination of creamy and tangy, and will add a pop of flavor to your meal.
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Southern Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Noodles, Half And Half, Butter, Eggs, Cream
No Southern meal is complete without a heaping helping of mac and cheese. This classic side dish is taken to the next level with the addition of creamy cheeses and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with tender beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to get some vegetables into your meal by adding broccoli or spinach to the dish.
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Buttermilk
For a true taste of the South, you can't go wrong with cornbread dressing. This dish is a staple at any Southern holiday gathering and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Made with cornbread, celery, onion, and sage, this soul food version adds a touch of sweetness with the addition of cranberries and pecans. It's a must-try for any fan of Southern cooking.
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Air Fryer Traditional Southern Soul Food Buttermilk...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour
If you're in the mood for some indulgent fried chicken to go with your beer can chicken, give this recipe a try. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crispy skin without all the extra oil. The chicken is marinated in a buttermilk mixture and coated in a spiced flour mixture before being air fried to perfection. It's a healthier take on a Southern classic that doesn't sacrifice any flavor.
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Easy Instant Pot Southern-Style Soul Food Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Green Beans
Green beans are a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with just about any main course, including beer can chicken. This recipe makes use of an Instant Pot to quickly cook the green beans to perfection. They're flavored with bacon, onion, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor.
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Chicken and Waffles | Southern Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenderloin, Water, Kosher Salt, Self Rising
Chicken and waffles may sound like an unusual combination, but it's a beloved dish in the South. The crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet and fluffy waffles, making for a satisfying and indulgent meal. This recipe adds a twist by seasoning the chicken with a blend of spices and honey before frying. Serve it with your favorite syrup for a truly Southern experience.
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Southern Candied Yams (Old Fashioned Soul Food)
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown
No Southern holiday meal is complete without some candied yams on the table. This old-fashioned recipe is simple but oh-so-sweet. The yams are cooked in a brown sugar and butter mixture until they're tender and caramelized. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm and cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of beer can chicken.
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Soul Food Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Green Pepper, Bell Pepper
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. They're packed with vitamins and minerals and have a delicious, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with rich, savory dishes like beer can chicken. This recipe calls for cooking the greens in a smoked ham hock broth, adding a depth of flavor that can't be beaten. Serve with some hot sauce for a bit of heat.
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Southern Collard Greens w/ Smoked Turkey Legs (soul...
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves
If you're looking for a healthier option for collard greens, try this recipe that uses smoked turkey legs instead of ham hocks. The turkey legs add a smoky flavor to the dish without the extra fat. The greens are simmered in a broth made from the turkey legs and seasoned with garlic and onion. It's a lighter take on a classic Southern dish that's still full of flavor.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking, and this skillet cornbread is a must-try for any fan of the cuisine. It's made with a mix of cornmeal and flour for the perfect texture. The key to this recipe is cooking it in a cast-iron skillet, which gives the edges a crispy, golden-brown crust. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a delicious side dish.
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This recipe takes a classic Southern dish and gives it a modern twist by using a pressure cooker. The collard greens are cooked in a smoky broth made from bacon, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. The pressure cooker helps to infuse the flavors quickly, resulting in tender and flavorful greens in a fraction of the time. Serve with a side of hot sauce for some heat.
This Southern-style cornbread dressing is a must-have for any holiday meal. It's made with cornbread, celery, onion, and sage for a classic flavor. The addition of sausage adds a savory element that pairs perfectly with the tender beer can chicken. It's a comforting and delicious side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Oxtails are a lesser-known cut of meat that is popular in Southern cooking. They're rich and flavorful, making them the perfect pairing for beer can chicken. This recipe calls for braising the oxtails in a rich gravy made from onion, garlic, tomato paste, and red wine. The result is tender and succulent meat that falls off the bone. Serve over mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a basket of warm, flaky biscuits on the table. This recipe uses a combination of buttermilk and butter for the perfect texture and flavor. The key to achieving the flaky layers is to fold the dough multiple times before cutting out the biscuits. These biscuits are the perfect vehicle for sopping up the juices from your beer can chicken.
This Southern-style mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a blend of cheeses and seasoned with spices and a touch of hot sauce, it's a creamy and indulgent side dish that goes perfectly with beer can chicken. The topping of crispy breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. It's a dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
If you're looking for a slightly lighter option for mac and cheese, this recipe is for you. Instead of using a roux-based cheese sauce, this recipe uses evaporated milk and egg to create a creamy and cheesy sauce. The mac and cheese is then baked until the top is golden and crispy. The result is a delicious and healthier version of a classic Southern dish.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, you'll love these pecan pie bars. They have all the delicious flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in a convenient bar form. The crust is made with a combination of flour and butter for a flaky and buttery base. The filling is a mixture of pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter. It's a sweet and nutty dessert that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
This classic Southern dessert is the perfect way to end any meal. It's made with fresh peaches and a buttery cobbler topping that is both crispy and tender. The peaches are flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavor. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
This recipe for collard greens is as traditional as it gets. The greens are cooked low and slow in a smoky broth made from ham hocks, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. The result is tender and flavorful greens that are the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. Serve with some hot sauce for a bit of heat.
The History and Origins of Southern Oxtail
The Roots of Oxtail in African American Culture
Oxtail has a rich history in African American culture, dating back to the days of slavery. During this time, slaves were often given the scraps of meat, including the tail of the cow. But with a little creativity and resourcefulness, they were able to turn this overlooked cut into a delicious and nourishing dish that became a staple in southern cuisine. Oxtail soup, stews, and braised dishes were commonly made by African American households, and the tradition has been passed down through generations. Today, oxtail is not only a beloved comfort food, but also a symbol of resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
The Influence of Soul Food on Southern Cuisine
Soul food, a cuisine that originated from the southern states of the US, is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes that have been passed down through generations. Oxtail has become a popular ingredient in soul food, as it embodies the essence of this cuisine - making something delicious out of humble beginnings. With the addition of spices and seasonings, oxtail has become a quintessential dish in southern cooking, representing the rich and diverse flavors of the region.
The Recipe: How to Make Southern Oxtail
Now that we've explored the history and origins of southern oxtail, it's time to get cooking! This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for both experienced and novice chefs.
Ingredients:
3 pounds of oxtail, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of beef broth
1 cup of water
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the oxtail and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
Remove the oxtail from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the oxtail back into the pot and pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes.
Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, until the oxtail is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro tip: For even more flavor, you can add in your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and celery, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Now that you have a delicious and authentic southern oxtail recipe, it's time to gather your friends and family and enjoy a taste of the south together. This dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household, and a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of southern cuisine.
