Oxtail soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s rich in taste and deeply comforting. Made with tender oxtail meat, vegetables, and a variety of spices, this soup is perfect for cold days or as a filling meal for your family. While it may take some time to cook, the results are well worth the effort. Here’s how you can make a delicious oxtail soup at home.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 kg oxtail, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes (optional for added depth)
- 6 cups beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for richness)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup peas (optional, for color and texture)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Oxtail Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the oxtail pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the oxtail on all sides for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring it gets a nice golden color. This step helps develop the deep, rich flavor of the soup. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomato Paste and Spices Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. These herbs and spices will infuse the soup with a wonderful aroma.
4. Deglaze the Pot If you’re using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any caramelized bits left from browning the oxtail. This step enhances the flavor of the soup. If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and proceed to adding the broth.
5. Add Broth and Simmer Return the browned oxtail to the pot, then add the beef broth (or water) and the diced tomatoes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer the soup gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the meat starts to fall off the bone. Stir occasionally, and skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
6. Add Potatoes and Peas (Optional) Once the oxtail is tender, you can add the diced potatoes and peas (if using) for additional texture and heartiness. Simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and fully cooked.
7. Final Seasoning Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and more pepper if needed. If the broth is too rich, you can add a bit more water or broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Garnish Once the oxtail is tender and the flavors have melded together, serve the soup hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Tips:
- Slow Cooking: For an even more tender oxtail, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. After browning the oxtail and sautéing the vegetables, add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the oxtail is tender.
- Skim the Fat: Oxtail is a fatty cut of meat, so make sure to skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface during cooking to keep the soup from being too greasy.
- Add Flavor with Acidity: If you prefer a slight tanginess, you can add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Oxtail Soup: For a spicy kick, add chopped chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the soup when adding the garlic.
- Oxtail Soup with Beans: You can add kidney beans or butter beans towards the end of cooking for added protein and texture.
- South African Style: In some South African versions of oxtail soup, you might add a small amount of curry powder for a mild, warming flavor.
Oxtail soup is a soul-satisfying dish with deep, rich flavors that make it perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy your homemade oxtail soup!
