Embrace the warmth and heartiness of South African cuisine with our Oxtail Potjie. Slow-cooked to perfection in a traditional cast-iron pot, this flavorful stew boasts tender oxtail, wholesome vegetables, and a savory gravy that sings with aromatic spices. The art of potjie cooking brings a communal spirit to every meal, creating cherished moments with family and friends. Gather around the fire or stovetop, and savor the rich taste of this beloved South African classic.
Savor the Flavor - South African Oxtail Potjie
Oxtail Potjie is a soul-warming South African dish that captures the essence of flavor and togetherness. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew showcases tender oxtail pieces, wholesome vegetables, and a savory gravy that delights the senses. The art of potjie cooking brings a sense of camaraderie to every meal, creating moments to cherish with family and friends. Savor the richness of South African cuisine with each spoonful of this beloved Oxtail Potjie and experience the heartwarming taste of tradition.
Equipment
- cast iron potjie pot
Ingredients
- oxtail pieces
- vegetable oil
- garlic
- onion
- carrot
- potatoes
- bay leaf
- rosenary
- celery stalk
- thyme
- vegetable broth
- red wine
- tomatoes paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the oxtail pieces under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the oxtail with salt and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the potjie pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.In batches, sear the oxtail pieces until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove the browned oxtail from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and start to caramelize.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced celery. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Return the seared oxtail pieces to the potjie pot, nestling them among the vegetables.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary to the pot for aromatic depth.Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and red wine (if using). The liquid should cover the oxtail and vegetables.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to enrich the flavor and thicken the gravy.
- Bring the potjie to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the oxtail stew slowly over low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and almost falls off the bone. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level to ensure it doesn't dry out (add more broth if needed).
- Once the oxtail is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the succulent Oxtail Potjie with steamed rice, samp, or traditional pap (maize porridge) for a complete South African dining experience.
Video
Notes
Potjie cooking is about embracing the communal spirit of sharing a meal. Gather around the potjie pot, let the flavors mingle, and enjoy the company of loved ones while the oxtail simmers to perfection.
Nutrition
Serving: 700g
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