Smothered Oxtails

Smothered oxtails is a hearty and flavorful dish made with oxtails that are braised or simmered low and slow until tender, then smothered in a rich gravy typically made from onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pounds oxtails, trimmed of excess fat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking fat of choice
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the oxtails generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove the browned oxtails and set them aside.
3. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the diced onions, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Return the browned oxtails to the pot. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the oxtails simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.
6. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can make a slurry by mixing the flour with a bit of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional spices if needed.
8. Serve the smothered oxtails hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dishes.

This dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Adjust the seasoning and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.