Heads or Oxtails!!

Oxtail is a tail from a cow, but a long time ago it was only used from an Ox. Nowadays both male and females are used.

It used to be considered as a throwaway meat often given away for free. Until the demand was there to use this delicious meat. Its now seen on a lot of high end street restaurant and hotel menus.

The tail is skinned and cut into sections, each section has a tail bone running through the middle with a little bit of bone marrow running through.

As oxtail is sold in sections you get some larger bits and smaller ones. because the tail runs from thick to thin. As it is mainly bone and cartilage you don’t get too much meat.

The meat is very gelatinous and is therefore it’s best for Braising, making stocks or soups. It requires a long time to cook, so it’s perfect for your Crock Pot (slow cooker)

The Slow cooking style is perfect for a busy hectic lifestyle. Pop it on before you go to work and when you return you have a wholesome healthy meal ready for you.

Oxtail recipe..

• 12 oxtails

• 2 red onions

• 4 carrots

• 2 leeks

• 1 swede

• 3 Garlic cloves (crushed)

• 1/2 pint beef stock

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Puree

• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 packet of Colman’s beef stew spice

Method..

• brown the oxtail in a frying pan and season well

• Cut up the vegetables and crush the garlic

• Add to the oxtail and cook for 3 minutes

• Transfer the oxtail and vegetables to your slow cooker. Add your spice mix.

• Add your Stock, Worcestershire sauce, chopped tomatoes and purée.

• stir to combined all the ingredients

• turn slow cooker onto low setting, for around 7/8 hours.

• The meat on the oxtail will be soft, succulent and really tender. Serve with rice, mash or new potatoes 👌

What does Oxtail taste like?

It has a deep rich beef flavour. It’s flavour is very similar to a short rib, but the oxtail has a lot more flavour, and is more tender and has a silkier texture.

How to store it?

It will last for 3/4 days in your fridge at home, otherwise make sure it’s wrapped well and it does freeze well.

Is it nutritious?

Yes it is. Its very high in Iron and protein.

What can I serve with Oxtail?

• Rice

• Mash

• Crushed Potatoes

• baked Sweet Potato

• Polenta

• Sticky red cabbage

• Carrots