Braised Oxtails with Caribbean Spices
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs oxtails, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 2 teaspoons allspice
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional for extra heat)
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oxtails: Pat oxtails dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Oxtails: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add Spices: Add allspice, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add Liquids: Stir in beef broth, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Add the scotch bonnet pepper if you want more heat.
6. Add Vegetables: Return oxtails to the pot, and add carrots and green onions. Bring to a simmer.
7. Braised Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the oxtails are tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally and check for tenderness.
8. Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.
Enjoy your richly flavored, fall-off-the-bone **Braised Oxtails with Caribbean Spices**!
