Oxtail is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in Caribbean and Latin American cooking. It is a tough cut of beef that requires slow cooking to become tender, but the end result is well worth the effort. When paired with butter beans, oxtail creates a hearty and delicious stew that is perfect for a cold winter’s night. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook oxtail with butter beans, including a simple recipe and some tips for getting the most out of this flavorful dish.
Understanding Oxtail and Butter Beans
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the two main ingredients in this dish: oxtail and butter beans.
Oxtail: A Tough but Flavorful Cut of Beef
Oxtail is a cut of beef that comes from the tail of the cow. It is a tough cut of meat that is rich in connective tissue, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. When cooked low and slow, the connective tissue in oxtail breaks down, creating a tender and flavorful piece of meat. Oxtail is often used in stews and braises, where it can simmer for hours and absorb all the flavors of the dish.
Butter Beans: A Type of Lima Bean
Butter beans are a type of lima bean that is known for its creamy texture and mild flavor. They are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in the Southern United States, where they are often served as a side dish. Butter beans are a good source of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to cooking oxtail with butter beans, the quality of the ingredients is important. Here are a few tips for choosing the right ingredients:
Choosing the Right Oxtail
When choosing oxtail, look for pieces that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You want the oxtail to be tender and flavorful, so choose pieces that are well-marbled with fat. You can usually find oxtail at a butcher or a specialty grocery store.
Choosing the Right Butter Beans
When choosing butter beans, look for beans that are fresh and have no signs of mold or damage. You can use either fresh or frozen butter beans for this recipe. If using frozen, simply thaw them before using.
A Simple Recipe for Oxtail with Butter Beans
Here is a simple recipe for oxtail with butter beans that serves 4-6 people:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound butter beans, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the oxtail and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it is softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the oxtail to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 hours, or until the oxtail is tender.
- Add the butter beans to the pot and continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- Serve the oxtail and butter beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips for Cooking Oxtail with Butter Beans
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of this recipe:
Browning the Oxtail
Browning the oxtail is an important step in this recipe. It creates a rich, caramelized crust on the meat that adds flavor and texture to the dish. To brown the oxtail, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail and cook until it is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Using the Right Cooking Liquid
The cooking liquid is an important part of this recipe. It adds moisture and flavor to the dish, and helps to tenderize the oxtail. Use a combination of beef broth and red wine for the best flavor. You can also add other aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pot for added flavor.
Simmering the Oxtail
Simmering the oxtail is the key to tenderizing it. Cook the oxtail low and slow, covered, for at least 2 1/2 hours. This will break down the connective tissue in the meat and create a tender, flavorful piece of meat.
Variations on the Recipe
Here are a few variations on the recipe that you can try:
Adding Other Vegetables
You can add other vegetables to the pot, such as carrots and potatoes, for added flavor and nutrition. Simply peel and chop the vegetables and add them to the pot along with the oxtail and butter beans.
Using Different Types of Beans
You can use different types of beans in place of butter beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the type of bean you are using.
Adding Spices and Herbs
You can add spices and herbs to the pot for added flavor. Some options include cumin, coriander, and paprika. Simply add the spices and herbs to the pot along with the oxtail and butter beans.
Conclusion
Cooking oxtail with butter beans is a simple and delicious way to create a hearty and flavorful stew. By following the tips and recipe outlined in this article, you can create a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to explore the world of oxtail and butter beans.
What is oxtail and how does it benefit the stew?
Oxtail is a cut of beef that comes from the tail of the cow. It is a tougher cut of meat, but when cooked low and slow, it becomes tender and falls apart easily. This makes it perfect for stews and braises. The oxtail adds a rich, beefy flavor to the stew and its tender texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy butter beans.
The oxtail also adds a depth of flavor to the stew that would be difficult to achieve with other cuts of meat. The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, releasing a rich, beefy broth that infuses the entire stew with flavor. This makes the oxtail a key component of the stew, and its unique flavor and texture elevate the dish to a whole new level.
What are butter beans and why are they used in this stew?
Butter beans are a type of large, white bean that is commonly used in stews and soups. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that makes them a great addition to the oxtail stew. The butter beans absorb the rich flavors of the stew and add a nice depth and complexity to the dish.
The butter beans also provide a nice contrast in texture to the tender oxtail. The creamy beans and the tender meat work together to create a hearty and satisfying stew that is perfect for a cold winter’s night. The butter beans are also a good source of protein and fiber, making the stew a nutritious and filling meal option.
How do I prepare the oxtail for cooking?
To prepare the oxtail for cooking, you will need to trim any excess fat from the meat and cut it into smaller pieces. This will help the oxtail cook more evenly and quickly. You should also season the oxtail with salt and pepper before cooking to bring out its natural flavors.
Once the oxtail is trimmed and seasoned, you can brown it in a hot pan to create a rich, caramelized crust on the outside. This will add a nice depth of flavor to the stew and help to lock in the juices of the meat. After browning the oxtail, you can add it to the stew pot along with the butter beans and other ingredients.
What is the best way to cook the oxtail and butter beans?
The best way to cook the oxtail and butter beans is low and slow, either on the stovetop or in the oven. This will allow the oxtail to become tender and the butter beans to absorb all the flavors of the stew. You can cook the stew on the stovetop over low heat for several hours, or you can transfer it to the oven and cook it at a low temperature for a few hours.
Either way, the key is to cook the stew slowly and patiently, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the oxtail to become tender. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook the stew, which can be a convenient and hands-off way to prepare the dish.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. In fact, these appliances are perfect for cooking the oxtail and butter beans low and slow. Simply brown the oxtail and cook the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook on low for several hours.
The slow cooker or Instant Pot will do all the work for you, cooking the stew slowly and patiently until the oxtail is tender and the butter beans are creamy. This is a great way to prepare the stew if you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to monitor the cooking process.
How do I serve the oxtail and butter bean stew?
The oxtail and butter bean stew is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. You can serve the stew in bowls and let everyone help themselves, or you can serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a heartier meal.
The stew is also delicious served with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad, which can provide a nice contrast to the rich and comforting stew. You can also serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese, which can add a nice tanginess and creaminess to the dish.
Can I make this stew ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. In fact, the stew often tastes better the next day, after all the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply cook the stew as directed, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
The stew will keep in the refrigerator for several days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven. You can also freeze the stew for several months and thaw it when you’re ready to eat it. Simply reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the oven, and serve hot.